Part 6: The Battle of Tondibi The Rise and Fall of the Songhai Empire: A Memoir from Ancient Mali

The Battle of Tondibi was a decisive battle in the history of the Songhai Empire. It was fought between the forces of Askia Muhammad I and the forces of the Soninke kingdom of Kaabu. The battle took place in the year 1591 and was a decisive victory for the Songhai Empire.

The battle began when Askia Muhammad I led a large army of Songhai warriors to the town of Tondibi, which was located on the banks of the Niger River. The Soninke forces were led by the king of Kaabu, who had been attempting to expand his kingdom into the Songhai Empire.

The Songhai forces were outnumbered by the Soninke forces, but Askia Muhammad I was a skilled military commander and was able to use the terrain to his advantage. He ordered his forces to dig trenches and build walls around the town of Tondibi, which allowed them to hold off the Soninke forces for several days.

Finally, on the fourth day of the battle, the Songhai forces were able to break through the Soninke lines and take the town of Tondibi. The Soninke forces were routed and the Songhai Empire was able to expand its borders.

The Battle of Tondibi was a major victory for Askia Muhammad I and the Songhai Empire. It was a turning point in the history of the empire and allowed it to expand its borders and become one of the most powerful empires in Africa.