(toc) #title= (Table of Content)
The Baobab Leaves
1. Running Across the Marketplace:
The baobab leaves seem to be running across the marketplace in the sense that they are being carried by the wind, causing them to move swiftly and seemingly on their own. This imagery suggests a sense of urgency and movement, as if the leaves themselves are eager to reach their destination.
2. Reuniting Sogolon's Family with the Deputation from Mali:
The baobab leaves serve as a symbolic connection between Sogolon's family and the deputation from Mali. When the leaves are carried by the wind and land in front of Sogolon's hut, they attract the attention of the deputation, who recognize them as a sign from Sundiata. This fortuitous event helps reunite Sogolon's family with the representatives from Mali, facilitating their communication and eventual reconciliation.
3. Sundiata's Prayer for His Mother's Death:
Sundiata prays for his mother's death as a means of relieving her from the suffering and hardship she endures under Soumaoro Kanté's oppressive rule. Aware of the unbearable conditions his mother faces in exile, Sundiata expresses his desire for her to find peace and release from her struggles through death, believing it to be a preferable fate to continued suffering.
4. King's Upset with Sundiata's Departure:
The king is upset with Sundiata's departure because he recognizes Sundiata's exceptional leadership qualities and the potential threat his absence poses to the stability and prosperity of Mali. As a trusted advisor and military commander, Sundiata plays a crucial role in the king's court and the defense of Mali against external threats. His departure creates a void in the king's council and military leadership, leaving Mali vulnerable to Soumaoro Kanté's aggression.
5. Interpretation of Sundiata's "Rubbish" Payment:
The old Arab advisor interprets Sundiata's seemingly humble offering of "rubbish" as a shrewd and symbolic gesture of respect and loyalty towards the king. Recognizing the deeper meaning behind Sundiata's gift, the advisor understands that Sundiata is subtly affirming his allegiance to the king and his commitment to fulfilling his duties as a prince of Mali, even in exile. Despite its humble appearance, Sundiata's gift carries significant symbolic value, reflecting his diplomatic acumen and strategic thinking.
The Return
1. Benefits of Exile for Sundiata:
Exile provided Sundiata with the opportunity to gather allies, acquire knowledge and skills, and mature both personally and as a leader. It allowed him to develop strategic alliances and form a formidable army, essential for challenging Soumaoro Kanté's rule. Additionally, exile enabled Sundiata to gain firsthand experience of the wider world beyond Mali, broadening his perspective and preparing him for the challenges ahead.
2. Gift from Moussa Tounkara:
Moussa Tounkara gave Sundiata a horse named Farba Kaba, a symbol of strength, nobility, and prestige. This gift was not only a gesture of goodwill but also a recognition of Sundiata's leadership and military prowess. Farba Kaba would become Sundiata's loyal companion and a key asset in his campaigns to reclaim Mali.
3. Formation of the Cavalry:
Sundiata formed the cavalry by assembling skilled horsemen from various regions and tribes, uniting them under his command to create a powerful mounted force. The cavalry played a crucial role in Sundiata's military strategy, providing speed, mobility, and striking power on the battlefield.
4. Journey to Wagadou:
The army first rode to Wagadou to seek the support and assistance of its king, Soumaba Cissé, in their quest to overthrow Soumaoro Kanté. Wagadou was strategically important due to its proximity to Mali and its potential to provide additional military resources and manpower to Sundiata's cause.
5. King of Wagadou's Support:
In addition to donating half of his cavalry to Sundiata's cause, the king of Wagadou provided military intelligence, strategic advice, and logistical support to aid Sundiata's campaign against Soumaoro Kanté. His alliance strengthened Sundiata's position and increased his chances of success in the upcoming battles.
6. Return to Tabon:
Sundiata returned to Tabon to consolidate his forces, strategize with his allies, and make final preparations for the decisive confrontation with Soumaoro Kanté. Tabon served as a rallying point for Sundiata's supporters and a base of operations for launching military campaigns against Soumaoro's stronghold in Sosso.
7. Enlivening Tales of the Trip:
Tales of heroic deeds, legendary warriors, and ancient prophecies enlivened the trip, inspiring Sundiata's army and reinforcing their resolve to overthrow Soumaoro Kanté and restore peace and prosperity to Mali. These stories served as morale boosters and reminders of the great destiny that awaited Sundiata and his followers.
8. Policy of Fran Kamara:
Fran Kamara's policy differed from his father's in its emphasis on diplomacy, negotiation, and consensus-building as means of resolving conflicts and maintaining stability within Mali and its neighboring territories. Unlike his father, who relied more on military force and coercion, Fran Kamara sought to promote peace, cooperation, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
9. Sundiata's Desire to Attack Immediately:
Sundiata wanted to attack immediately to seize the initiative, exploit any weaknesses in Soumaoro Kanté's defenses, and prevent him from regrouping and strengthening his forces. He understood the importance of maintaining momentum and capitalizing on strategic opportunities to achieve a decisive victory over his adversary.
10. Fate of Sosso Balla:
Sosso Balla, the son of Soumaoro Kanté, met his demise during the battle of Tabon, where he fought valiantly but ultimately fell in combat against Sundiata's forces. His death symbolized the decline of Soumaoro's power and the inevitable triumph of Sundiata's cause.
11. Sundiata's Strategic Plan:
After the battle of Tabon, Sundiata's plan was to pursue Soumaoro Kanté and his remaining forces, cornering them in their stronghold of Sosso and laying siege to the city until its defenses crumbled. By besieging Sosso, Sundiata aimed to deprive Soumaoro of essential resources, weaken his support base, and ultimately force his surrender or defeat.
12. First Battle between Soumaoro and Sundiata:
Soumaoro and Sundiata first met in battle near Kankigné, where Soumaoro's forces launched a surprise attack on Sundiata's army. Despite the initial setback, Sundiata rallied his troops, turned the tide of battle, and emerged victorious, inflicting heavy losses on Soumaoro's forces and asserting his dominance on the battlefield.
13. Doubts after Soumaoro's Escape:
Despite Sundiata's victory and the apparent weakening of Soumaoro's forces, Sundiata harbored doubts and uncertainties about his ability to fully defeat his adversary and secure Mali's future. Soumaoro's escape raised concerns about his resilience and capacity to regroup, posing a continued threat to Sundiata's quest for peace and stability.
14. Breaking the Will of Soumaoro's Sofas:
The will of Soumaoro's sofas, or elite warriors, was broken by Sundiata's strategic brilliance, tactical acumen, and unwavering determination to achieve victory. Through clever maneuvers, decisive engagements, and relentless pressure, Sundiata gradually eroded the morale and cohesion of Soumaoro's forces, causing them to falter and eventually capitulate.
15. Battle Not Considered a Glorious Victory:
Despite its tactical significance and strategic importance, the battle near Kankigné was not considered a glorious victory because it did not result in the definitive defeat of Soumaoro Kanté or the complete liberation of Mali from his tyranny. While Sundiata's forces achieved a notable triumph on the battlefield, Soumaoro managed to evade capture and retreat to his stronghold in Sosso, where he continued to pose a threat to Sundiata's aspirations for peace and stability. Additionally, the battle's aftermath revealed lingering challenges and obstacles that Sundiata would need to overcome in his ongoing struggle against Soumaoro's oppressive rule. Thus, while the battle marked a significant milestone in Sundiata's quest for justice and liberation, it was only a step towards the ultimate goal of restoring Mali's greatness and prosperity under Sundiata's enlightened leadership.
Leave a comment behind