Askia the Great ruled over the largest empire in West Africa’s history. In the late 15th century, his Songhai Empire swept from the Atlantic Ocean to what is now Niger.
One of his tools for expansion and rule was his navy, a rarity in Africa at that time.
Born Askia Muhammad Ture I, he led the way for Africa to expand trade with Europe and Asia, and, bowing to the will of his army, made Islam a key component of his rule. He became known as Askia — “forceful one” — and is remembered today as Askia the Great, the third ruler of the empire.
His navy was a critical component of the empire’s military and trade power, operating primarily on the Niger River. Although it was not intended as a true military force, Askia carefully maintained it and used it strategically. His navy used the river as a natural defense system and a vital component for transportation, communication and military advantage. A naval officer commanded the fleet, which operated from a network of river ports, including Gao and Kabara. Government officials managed the ports, overseeing the fleet and controlling entry and exit fees. With this system, military control was a component of economic regulation.
The navy used a variety of boats, including large cargo ships called Kanta, which originated with the Sorko people, early masters of river commerce. The Sorko used their boats for transportation, fishing and hunting. Accounts vary, but it is believed that the Songhai Kanta vessels could carry up to 30 tons, a cargo equivalent to 1,000 men or hundreds of camels or cattle. Some historical references say that there might have been Kanta boats even double that size. Such capacity allowed the Songhai to maneuver troops, supplies and goods efficiently along the river, which was essential for military campaigns and commerce.
Askia used his navy for land-based expansion campaigns. The fleet could quickly move troops and logistics support, which were crucial in governing vast territories and controlling trade routes. The empire’s military forces included cavalry and infantry divisions. This organization was critical to protecting the empire’s commercial interests, especially the profitable trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt and slaves.
Askia encouraged partnerships among his empire’s merchants, with his armed forces protecting them. He implemented a universal system of weights and measures throughout the empire. One of his first major acts as ruler was to formalize the legal system, incorporating Islamic law to help unify his domain. Askia’s empire evolved into a center for learning, attracting scholars, poets and artists from across the Islamic world. Historians say that his universities and libraries became centers of knowledge rivaling cities such as Baghdad and Cairo.
He held his vast territory together with a highly organized administrative system. The central government appointed local rulers to ensure loyalty and efficient governance. He divided the empire into four regions and appointed a viceroy to govern each one, but he also packed his government with his relatives. Within his kingdom, most of the prominent families became his kin.
His rule came at a cost. His advancements and vast bureaucracy were expensive, requiring a growing class of new aristocrats. They, in turn, relied on forced labor and slavery to produce food, supplies and weapons. Askia did not hesitate to rule by force, executing anyone who threatened his authority.
Askia outlived his ability to govern. He went blind as he got older, keeping it a secret from his kingdom for years. His sons overthrew him, exiling him to an island in the Niger River. He died in 1538 at age 94 or 95.
His successors lacked his organizational talents. In the years after his death, the Songhai military and navy failed to keep up with changing technology and could not counter outside threats. Morocco’s Saadi dynasty invaded in 1591, using firearms and artillery that outmatched dated Songhai arms. This warfare gap contributed to Songhai’s defeat at the Battle of Tondibi despite its superior numbers. That, in turn, marked the end of the Songhai Empire.
Today, the age of Askia is remembered as a time of shrewd government and vast territorial expansion. But it also is remembered for its navy, a largely unarmed force that nonetheless enforced the government rule of its time.