Author: Khalid Yaghi Zahi
The Heroic Leader “Samori Ture” (Part Two)
His Struggle Against the French
The French expanded their territory in West Africa, seeking to restore their lost prestige after their defeat by Russia in 1870. They also took advantage of the resolutions of the Berlin Conference in 1884 (1302 AH), which allowed European states to occupy Africa. Meanwhile, they never overlooked Imam Samori and his emerging Islamic state. Since Samori’s government was an obstacle to France’s expansion in the region, the French government prepared to combat this new Muslim power in Africa. Their confidence grew even further when Samori’s enemy, Tiebba, joined them, making them see an opportunity.
France consistently coordinated its war efforts against Samori with Tiebba, moving their forces simultaneously until Samori’s resistance weakened. They continued this strategy until Samori was compelled to accept a peace treaty and ceasefire, requiring him to withdraw all his forces from the left bank of the Niger River and recognize French sovereignty over those regions, including the gold mines in Bouré. Additionally, Samori was obligated to engage in trade with French commercial centers. In return, the French agreed that the right bank of the Niger River would remain under Samori’s control.
Following this agreement, Imam Samori Ture turned his attention to his enemy, Tiebba, seeking to end his rule. He besieged Tiebba’s capital, Sikasso, for six months but eventually abandoned the effort. In the meantime, the French conspired to defend Tiebba and break the siege. As a result, Imam Samori was forced to withdraw after suffering heavy losses, including 7,000 of his soldiers and two of his most valuable commanders. After this event, the people of Samori’s state rebelled against him and opposed his request to increase military forces.
The command of the French army in the region was handed over to a French officer named Archinard, who harbored intense hatred toward Islam and Muslims. In 1889 (1307 AH), he imposed another treaty on Samori, requiring him to retreat from certain lands and pledge not to attack French-occupied territories. Given his weakened state, Samori accepted this peace agreement, as he was not in a position to engage in war with the French at that time.
The French commander decided to exploit Tiebba against Imam Samori once again, especially after receiving a letter from Tiebba that stated: “I assure you that the inhabitants of these regions will welcome you warmly. They have no fear of you, and soon their perspective on you will change.” This act by Tiebba was a betrayal of Islam and Samori, driven by his greed for power and leadership.
The French commander made great efforts to win Imam Samori over. He sent letters filled with flattering words and various proposals to deceive him. However, Imam Samori was wise and considered these offers worthless. In response to the French letters, he firmly rejected their proposals, declaring them devoid of value.
The French forces managed to capture the cities of Kankan and Missadougu, but when they entered, they found nothing but heaps of ashes. Imam Samori had burned them down before leaving, ensuring that the French could not use them against him.
The French referred to Samori’s kingdom as a “mobile empire,” because whenever he lost one part of his territory, he would compensate by conquering another, as if he had never lost anything—only shifting the borders of his state.
The French government replaced Archinard with a new commander, Bonnier, as they sought a swift victory, frustrated by the prolonged resistance of Imam Samori. The new commander launched fresh attacks under the leadership of Monteil, but once again, the French forces suffered defeat, and many of their soldiers were captured. Subsequently, another French army was dispatched to crush Samori, only to face another humiliating defeat. Eventually, the French authorities opted for peace negotiations and sent the governor of Senegal to discuss terms with Samori.
Imam Samori accepted the peace offer, as his soldiers needed rest, and he sought to prepare for future battles against the French occupation. Additionally, he used this opportunity to spread Islam among the pagans. However, the French once again resorted to deceit and violated the agreement. As a result, in July 1898, they launched a major assault against Samori under the command of Lartigue.
Initially, Imam Samori achieved victory against the French army. However, he mistakenly moved toward the tropical forests and entered the Dan mountains during the rainy season. This led to severe food shortages, causing significant losses among his troops. Eventually, his soldiers scattered, forcing Imam Samori to retreat to Sanankoro. However, the French prevented his entry into the city unless he surrendered his sons as hostages and disarmed himself.
For Imam Samori, accepting such demands was impossible, so he refused and continued his struggle. Ultimately, he was betrayed by some of his soldiers, captured, and exiled in 1898 (1317 AH) to the island of Ogooué or the city of Gabon. He passed away there in 1900 (1319 AH). After his death, the French solidified their control over West Africa.
A grandson of Imam Samori Ture, named Ahmed Sékou Touré, continued the resistance and later became the first president of Guinea after it gained independence in 1958. As for Samori’s adversary, Tiebba, he was ultimately subjugated by the French and never realized his dream of ruling Africa—such is the fate of every traitor and mercenary.
The French Achieved Victory Through Three Key Factors: 1. Division and hostility among Muslim commanders, along with the betrayal of some. 2. Support from local pagans for the French. 3. Military advancements, superior weaponry, and better preparation.
However, Imam Samori Ture earned the honor, dignity, and pride of establishing a state dedicated to spreading Islam and fighting idolatry. He managed to resist a powerful army for 13 years, inflicting heavy defeats on them multiple times. He also united the Mandingo people, who had previously been scattered and divided. May Allah have mercy on him, be pleased with him, and elevate his rank in the highest levels of paradise!
A Remarkable Incident in the Life of Imam Samori Ture
One extraordinary event in the life of this noble leader is worth mentioning as it serves as a lesson and a testament to his deep faith. The French managed to kidnap his son and kept him in France for six years, successfully influencing his mindset until he adopted views completely opposed to those of his father.
After this period, they returned Samori’s son to him, hoping he would convince his father to lay down arms. At that moment, the great leader of the African Jihad made the ultimate sacrifice—he gave up his beloved son for the sake of Allah and prioritized the freedom of his homeland above all else. In a shocking and decisive act, he executed his own son in front of a large crowd to prevent his ideas from weakening the jihad and resistance movement.
This was an unprecedented act, unparalleled in modern Islamic history. Indeed, Allah, (SWT), has spoken the truth: “ (include the quoted verse here if available in the original text).” «لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَوْ كَانُوا آبَاءهُمْ أَوْ أَبْنَاءهُمْ أَوْ إِخْوَانَهُمْ أَوْ عَشِيرَتَهُمْ أَوْلَئِكَ كَتَبَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمُ الْإِيمَانَ وَأَيَّدَهُم بِرُوحٍ مِنْهُ وَيُدْخِلُهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ أُوْلَئِكَ حِزْبُ اللهِ أَلَا إِنَّ حِزْبَ اللهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ.» Translation: “You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers, their sons, their brothers, or their close relatives. It is they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and whom He has strengthened with a spirit from Him. And He will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. They are the party of Allah. Behold! Indeed, it is the party of Allah that will be successful.” — Surah Al-Mujadila, Verse 22
Continues …
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