Samori Touré: The Unyielding Emperor Who Defied French Colonization
Early Life and Rise to Power Born around 1830 near Sarranko in present-day Guinea, Samori Touré began his career as a trader, following in his father's footsteps. His life took a dramatic turn when his mother was captured by the Cissé clan. To secure her release, Touré offered himself in service to her captors, gaining military experience and forging crucial alliances. By 1878, he had established the Wassoulou Empire, uniting various ethnic groups under his leadership. Military Strategies and Resistance Touré's resistance against French colonization was marked by innovative military tactics. He organized a disciplined army equipped with modern firearms, some manufactured within his empire. Employing guerrilla warfare, scorched earth policies, and strategic retreats, Touré effectively countered French advances for over a decade. His ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain the morale of his forces was instrumental in […]