1.+The+Mandingoes

= = == = = = The Mandingoe people = ====The Mandingoe people of Mali claimed independence when the power of Ghana decreased. Around the early 1200's was when Mali started to rise, eventually gaining independence in the 1230s. Other kingdoms in western Africa also became independent around this time. The capital of Mali was Kangaba. The Mandingoes spoke the Mande language that the Soninke and the Sossos also spoke. Unlike the Sonikes and the Sossos, the majority of the Mandingoes accepted the religion of Islam in the early days of the Almoravid movement. Before the Mandingoes could succeed Ghana, they had to defeat their rivals, the Sossos and their leader Sumanguru. Mali's future leader, Sundiata, would guide them to victory!====

Becoming Independent
====When the power of Ghana declined, several of it's states, including Mali, claimed independence. Mali's capital, Kangaba, was located on the Niger River, about 250 miles south of Koumbi. While the Soninkes were forced to become Islamic, and the Sossos remained pagan, and the Mandingoes accepted Islam.====

Defeating The Sossos
====In order for Mali to succeed Ghana as the major kingdom in the western Sudan they had to overcome the Sossos. The Sossos were ruled by the dangerous Sumanguru, who had control of a large amount of Mandingoe land. Luckily Mali had a brave leader to guide them to defeat Sumanguru. His name was Sundiata, and he became one of the most important man in the history of Mali.====