Third Mandingo War
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(1 year, 1 month, 1 week, and 2 days)[1]
changes Dissolution of the Wassoulou Empire, French control established over former territories[3]
| Third Mandingo War | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Mandingo Wars and the Scramble for Africa | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 France |
 Wassoulou Empire | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Louis Archinard[4] Joseph Gallieni[5] Henri Gouraud[6] Paul Braulot † |
Samori Ture (POW)[7] Kebe Brema[8] Ali Ture[9] Saranken Mori | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| ~12,000 troops, including artillery and colonial auxiliaries[10] | ~30,000 troops, including infantry and cavalry[11] | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| ~3,000[12] | ~10,000–15,000, including civilians[13] | ||||||||
The Third Mandingo War (20 August, 1897 – September 29, 1898) was the third and final conflict of the Mandingo Wars, with fighting taking place between the French colonial forces and the Wassoulou Empire, led by Samori Ture, in West Africa. It formed part of France’s broader campaign to expand its control over the Niger River region and consolidate colonial administration in present-day Guinea, Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire.[14]
The Wassoulou Empire, established in the 1860 by Samori Ture, emerged as a powerful West African state resisting the growing influence of European colonial powers.[15] Samori’s empire had previously clashed with French forces in the First and Second Mandingo Wars, which ended in temporary truces but left unresolved disputes over trade routes, fortified towns, and strategic territories along the Niger River and its tributaries.[16]
By early 1897, France became increasingly determined to expand its control over West Africa, seeking to secure trade networks, establish military posts, and consolidate colonial administration. At the same time, Samori Ture was committed to defending the independence and territorial integrity of his empire. These competing ambitions created growing tension, particularly over key economic resources such as gold, kola nuts, and access to vital river valleys. Although tensions were high, relations remained cordial until the Wa Incident. French Capt. Paul Braulot came south from the Niger bend in an attempt to negotiate a protectorate agreement with Samory, but was rebuffed, as Toure wanted only to live apart from the French. In April 1897, British Governor William Maxwell of the Gold Coast tried to intimidate Saranken Mori, Samory's son and the commander in the region, into abandoning Bouna. When this failed, a force of the Southern Nigeria Regiment under Henderson marched on the town but were defeated at Dokita, then later routed and Henderson was captured at Wa.[17]: 117–8
Knowing this setback would prompt an aggressive British response, the French again sent Braulot, at the head of an armed column, to try to acquire Bouna by negotiation. Saranken Mori initially accepted.[17]: 117–9 But when Braulot arrived at Bouna, he was killed and his column destroyed outside the city on August 20, 1897, restarting the war between the French and Samori Ture.[18] [19]
Society and economy during the War
The war had profound effects on civilians. Villages were raided or destroyed, and many residents fled.[20] Agricultural production declined, causing food shortages, and trade in kola nuts, gold, and textiles was disrupted. Samori’s administration attempted to maintain governance and tax collection to sustain the army.