Military Strategy and Warfare in Borno, 1470-1603

Abstract

Borno kingdom was one of the most dominant political entities in the Central Sudan balance of power which rose to the position of prominence and glory in the 16th century because of the policies of expansion and consolidation that were entrenched by Mai Idris Alooma, the most notable ruler of Borno who took the kingdom to its zenith. The might of Borno in Central Sudan was central to effective administration that provided an enabling environment and built a formidable army that ensured the security of the kingdom. The military was an embodiment of the effective administration and economic prowess and stability of the kingdom. This paper examined the military strategy and warfare in Borno from 1470 to 1603 with specific reference to the Saifawa dynasty under the leadership of Mai Idris Alooma. The methodology adopted in writing this paper was qualitative in nature. The focus of this paper is central to the organization of the army, the conduct of war and weapons used by the imperial armed forces of Borno, and the strategy and tactics that were used. In conclusion, this paper observed that there has been an element of continuity and changes in both the Saifawa and al-Kanemi dynasties in military strategies and warfare in Borno.