SONGHAI EMPIRE (1464-1591)
-The Songhai Empire (Songhay) was a state that dominated the western Sahel in the 15th and 16th century. At its peak, it was one of the largest states in African history. The state is known by its historiographical name, derived from its leading ethnic group and ruling elite, the Songhai.
-Sunni Ali established Gao as the capital of the empire, although a Songhai state had existed in and around Gao since the 11th century. Other important cities in the empire were Timbuktu and Djenné, conquered in 1468 and 1475 respectively, where urban-centered trade flourished and to the south is the north Akan state of Bonoman.
Initially, the empire was ruled by the Sunni dynasty (c. 1464–1493), but it was later replaced by the Askia dynasty (1493–1591) and then the state king’s title became Askia. Its famous leaders were Sunni Ali, Askia Mohamed and Askia Daud.
FACTORS FOR THE GROWTH OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
1. Agricultural activities, this produced enough food for the people of Songhai.
2. Strong army
3. Involvement in the Trans – Sahara trade. This ensured good collection of revenues from taxes and tributes that were paid by traders.
4. Good administration under Sunni Ali and Askia Mohamed.
5. Its favourable geographical location. For instance, Trade routes to Egypt, the North and to the Atlantic Ocean passed through Songhai Empire. This put the Empire in an advantageous position in terms of trade revenues collected from trade.
6. Islamic religion.
DECLINE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
1. The Moroccan invasion in the 16th century weakened and destabilized the empire.
2. The empire was too large to control.
3. Religious hostility between Islamic and traditional beliefs.
4. The shift in orientation of trade from Saharan desert to the Atlantic Ocean. This is due to the introduction of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in the 15 century.
5. Weak leadership after the death of Askia Daud.
6. Internal class struggle of peasants and artisans against the King.
