Songhai Empire
The Songhai Empire emerged from the Songhai state which existed in and around the region of Gao since the 11th century. However, in the latter half of the 13th century, Gao was conquered by the Mali empire and remained under Mali control for nearly 100 years until the Songhai managed to regain control. Then then expanded to take over Mema and Timbuktu from Mali as well. In 1464, Sunni Ali became the first emperor of the Songhai empire.
The Songhai empire struggled to find stability as Sunni Ali’s son Sonni Baru was unable to rule as effectively as his father and was overthrown. Askia Muhammad Toure took over the Songhai Empire and he continued a period of conquest for the Songhai Empire. He was a devout Muslim and established Sharia Law throughout the empire and built numerous schools. He also encouraged the immigration of scholars and skilled workers from around the world.
The empire enjoyed peace and prosperity that continued after Muhammad Toure’s death. Trade flourished, but the majority of the empire’s residents were farmers who relied on agriculture more than trade. Succession was never orderly for the Songhai Empire, as there were frequent plots and coups that culminated in a civil war in 1591. The civil war weakened the empire so much that the Sultan of Morocco sent in an army to conquer the region.
The Songhai outnumbered the invading army, but the Moroccans had muskets and six cannon which were used for the first time. The Songhai were quickly brought under control, but the Moroccans found it difficult to govern them. There were frequent rebellions, constant resistance, and it was difficult to send supplies all the way across the Sahara. Since the Moroccans could not maintain stable control of the gold mines (the reason for the invasion), they pulled out of Songhai in 1661. However, the empire was never fully re-established.