SAMORY TURE WAS A TEXTILE TRADER, SLAVE RAIDER, EMPIRE BUILDER AND OPPONENT OF THE FRENCH
When they push him back from a first empire in what is now Senegal and Mali, he establishes another in Djimini (in 1894-1898).
Adapted from African History Extra in "The Empire of Samori Ture on the Eve of Colonisation" by Isaac Samuel / zoom
The changes that have taken place in the 50 years since a cowrie currency has been allowed lead to a fifth column of grain-producing, slave-owning "Sonnangui."
They are "indigenous people [...] who have adopted the language the customs, the ways and the external aspects of the Dyulas' religion while keeping the Senufo tattoos [...]
They have neither the elevation of ideas nor the education of the Dyula, but having opened their arms and land to Samory, have profited from the victor's friendship to exploit the Senufo, toward whom they display an arrogance and a despotism that the Dyula ignore."
-- Abidjan archives
Today they are indistinguishable from other Senufo, but they are remembered for a "curious" Islam that brings them closer to the conquerors and separates them from their animist slaves.
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The Senufo remember a traitor, Pelegayan, "who wanted to be king, but did not have the right."
He grows millet for the new market of Foumbolo on Samory's route. When the Djimini forces stop Samory near that site Pelegayan gets up at night, goes to Samory and says,
-- "Don't be discouraged, you'll win this battle.
-- How?
-- Oh, don't worry, I am a child of this country and I will show you its secrets.
-- You tell me not to be discouraged, but I've been here for three months and I'm not getting anywhere.
-- Oh, don't worry, I am a child of this country, I know the secrets, you will win out."
"He gives the secrets
and tells his army not to load its guns.
-- Serisio Coulibali
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