Sack of Mali's Capital by Songhai

The Sack of Mali's capital by the Songhai Empire marked a pivotal event in the history of West Africa. Led by Kanfari Dawud, who would later become the ruler of the Songhai Empire, the military campaign resulted in the capture and looting of the Malian capital. This act of aggression was not merely a display of military might; it symbolized the shifting power dynamics in the region. The Songhai Empire, which had been expanding its territory and influence, sought to assert dominance over Mali, a once-powerful empire that had begun to decline. The sacking of the capital was characterized by the desecration of the royal palace, which was reportedly used as a latrine, highlighting the extent of humiliation inflicted upon the Malian leadership. Despite this victory, the Songhai did not manage to maintain a long-term hold on the capital, indicating the complexities of power transitions in the region.