Sosso Empire: The Warriors Who Preceded the Mali Empire

The Sosso Empire emerged during a period of great upheaval in West Africa, following the decline of the once-powerful Ghana Empire. The Sosso people, a group of warriors and rulers, capitalized on the weakening of Ghana to establish their dominance in the region. Their rise was marked by military aggression, strategic leadership, and a desire to control the lucrative trade routes that had long been the backbone of West African wealth.

The origins of the Sosso people remain somewhat obscure, but they were likely a subgroup within the greater Soninke-speaking population that had once formed the core of the Ghana Empire. As Ghana’s power waned due to external invasions and internal struggles, smaller states sought to assert their independence. The Sosso, led by a series of ambitious leaders, were among the most successful in carving out a new political and military identity for themselves.

One of the most defining moments in the rise of the Sosso Empire was the ascent of Sumanguru Kanté, a warrior-king whose leadership transformed Sosso into a dominant force. Sumanguru’s reputation as a ruthless and determined leader spread quickly. He capitalized on the disintegration of Ghana by taking control of its former capital, Koumbi Saleh, and imposing his rule over the surrounding regions. His conquest of Ghana marked a shift in power, with Sosso assuming the role of the dominant state in the region.