what were the achievements of mai idris aloma for the kanem bornu

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  • He ruled from 1580 – 1617 and he was the greatest of the Kanem Bornu rulers and did the following.
  • He expanded the empire of Kanem Bornu.
  • He conquered many trading markets ie Yabo, Balma etc.
  • He created peace in the empire.
  • He changed the administration system of the empire.
  • He promoted Islam.
  • He united the two parts of the empire.
  • He encouraged trade in gold, kola nuts etc.
  • He created a diplomatic relationship with other countries.
  • He built schools hence promoting education.
  • He encouraged agriculture hence availability of food.
  • He built a strong standing army to defend the empire.
  • He established a strong judicial system based on Sharia law to ensure justice.
  • He made a pilgrimage to Mecca where he got ideas he used for cultural change.

Factors for the collapse / decline of kanem bornu.

  • The death of capable leaders like Dumama ll , Mai Idris Aloma led to its decline.
  • Constant revolts organized by the provincial states weakened the empire.
  • Succession disputes also weakened the empire.
  • The army had become weak due to long period without fighting.
  • External attacks from the neighboring states led to its collapse, i.e. Tuaregs from North, Mandara etc.
  • Decline in trade due to internal wars.
  • The outbreak of Jihad also weakened the empire.
  • Lack of natural geographical barriers like mountains led to early attack of the empire.
  • Poor administration later weakened it and led to its collapse.
  • The e empire later developed political and cultural division which led to its collapse.
  • The empire had become too large for effective administration.
  • The breakaway of vassal states weakened the empire.
  • The invasion of the Bornu by Wadayans who wanted to control trade weakened it and led to its decline.
  • The religious divisions between the Moslems and non Moslems.
  • The European invasion of the empire particularly the French led to its decline.

The states of senegambia.

  • There were majorly two states and these included the Wolof Empire and the Fula state. This area was between R. Senegal and R. Gambia.

The wolof empire.

Origin

  • The origin of the Wolof Empire is not clear.
  • It is believed that they were driven to the region they now occupy by the Fulani and Berber intruders in the period between 12th – 14th Century.
  • They occupied the area between R. Senegal and R. Gambia.
  • The founder of the empire is not clear but according to the Wolof traditions it was founded by Ndyadyana Ndyaye.
  • It is believed that the empire emerged due to voluntary association of several small states.
  • It is said that Ndyadyana Ndyaye emerged from the lake to solve a quarrel among the Wolof states over wood.
  • He divided the wood fairly among the states. They offered him marriage and kingship.
  • He became the first king of the Wolof and used this opportunity to unit different states into one empire.
  • There were five Wolof states and these included Walo, Baol, Jolof, Cayor and Salum.
  • The majority of the empire was Wolof and Serer
  • The capital of the empire was at linquere, some 150 km in land.
  • The empire participated in trade and by 16th century, it had become very strong.
  • In 1506, a Portuguese Duata Pacheco Preira estimated the Wolof army Soldiers as10000 horsemen and 1,000,000 foot soldiers.
  • Wolof Empire had fertile soil which favoured agriculture hence enough food.
  • The people participated in fishing on R. Gambia and R. Senegal.

The political, economic and social organization of wolof empire.

  • The empire was headed by the king with little Jolof.
  • The position of the king was elected i.e. elected by the nobles.
  • In the Wolof Empire the king could be removed by the nobles if he failed to please them.
  • The death of the king was always kept secret to avoid succession wars.
  • Some women like the queen mother and the king’s sister solved women’s problems i.e. cases of adultery.
  • The chiefs collected taxes which was in form of cattle, grain etc.
  • To guard against the powers of the nobles, the kings usually made themselves strong and rich.
  • Also the kings surrounded themselves with warriors and dependents usually of slave origin.
  • With such measurers, the king could suppress any attempt by the noble king makers to displace him.
  • The empire had an army consisting of infantry and Calvary armed with guns.
  • The king once elected, possessed Magical powers i.e. divine power each conquered state retained its traditional rulers but paid tributes to the king.
  • The empire carried out trade since it was near the coast.
  • Taxes were imposed on traders and herdsmen.
  • They carried out fishing on rivers and lakes.
  • Farming was practiced and grew crops for food.
  • Hunting was done on small scale.
  • They also kept animals such as cattle, goats etc.
  • Local weaving leather industries were in place hence had a strong economy.
  • Socially, the Wolof Empire was divided into classes i.e. royals, free men, Artisan, blacksmith, wearers and slaves.
  • Rituals were always done on the king to make him semi-divine
  • Inter marriages between classes was not allowed.
  • The king was the leader of ceremonies in the empire.
  • Wolof people were originally pagans but later in the 19th century few adopted Islam.

Factors for The Decline Of Wolof Empire

  • Internal wars weakened the empire hence leading to its collapse.
  • The French interference by removing Lat Dior the only strong king led to its collapse.
  • Weak leaders led to its collapse.
  • Wars disrupted the economic activities like trade, agriculture Outbreak of famine weakened the people and led to its collapse.
  • The abolition of slave trade led to its collapse.
  • Divisionism created by cultural decline in the Wolof led to its collapse.
  • The introduction of Islam affected the empire as it led to hatred between the Moslem and non Moslems.
  • The political conflicts between the princesses and the prince led to its collapse.
  • The army became weak due to wars hence its collapse. The empire had become too big for effective administration.
  • The breakaway of the vassal states weakened the empire i.e. Mandika.
  • Finally the French desire to colonise the Wolof Empire led to its collapse.

The Fula State

  • The Fula lived in Sierra Leone, they were Negroes of the West Atlantic group.
  • The state began in early 17th century.

Factors for the rise of fula state.

  • It participated in trade since it was near the coast.
  • Islam created unity and led to its rise.
  • The good climate encouraged agriculture in the area.
  • Fertile soils ensured enough food.
  • They got guns which they used for expansion.
  • Strong army led to its rise and expansion.
  • External help from European traders i.e. Portuguese, French.
  • The good administration based on sharia law.
  • Capable leaders i.e. Alfa Ibrahim, Sambegu, Ibrahim Seri yero, Suleyman.
  • The state was divided into provinces, districts hence easing administration.
  • Weak neighbours led to its rise.

The organization of the fula state.

  • It was headed by the king whose title was Almani.
  • The administration was based on sharia law.
  • The Alaman had political and religious powers.
  • The Almani was always harsh on the conquered states i.e. the
  • Fula rulers killed many people in Solima.
  • The Fula state was divided into provinces, districts and villages under subordinate rulers.
  • They administered and collected taxes on behalf of the Alamani. The state had a strong army armed with guns.
  • The rebellious provinces were put under the strong administration of strong rulers.
  • Justice was strictly maintained i.e. there were judges, courts of appeal. There was complete security for traders and inhabitants and robbers were executed.
  • Economically, the Fula carried out trade especially in slaves. Agriculture was practiced since it had fertile soils.
  • Small scale industries like weaving existed, black smithing.
  • They were nomadic pastoralists and moved from place to another with their animals.
  • They carried out hunting where they got ivory, skins and hides.
  • Fishing to supplement on food from rivers and swamps was done.
  • Socially the state was divided into classes i.e. rulers, peasants and slaves.
  • The language spoken by the Fula was popular.
  • They practiced Arabic culture and believed in Islam and Tijaniyya brotherhood.
  • They wore long colourful flowing robes with decorations. The women used Henna around the mouth and put tattoos on their bodies.
  • They had a musical culture using traditional drums.
  • The Fula lived in towns and villages.
  • Koranic schools were established based on Islamic teachings.

Factors for the decline of the fula state.

  • The Fula state had become too big hence difficult to administer.
  • The Jihads and wars of conquest weakened the army.
  • Disunity as many societies with different ideas were annexed.
  • The breakaway of the conquered states led to its collapse.
  • The external attacks weakened the state i.e. Solima, Koranko.
  • Decline in the economy due to war led to its collapse.
  • Outbreak of famine as agriculture was put to a standstill due to wars.
  • Wars scared traders who shifted to other areas hence its collapse.
  • The army became weak due to over fighting hence its decline.
  • The rise of weak rulers such as Almani Banbakar Biro Bary.
  • The death of capable leaders led to its collapse.
  • The invasion of the European imperialist’s led to its collapse.