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Tunka Manin- the last Ruler of the ancient Ghana empire.

Tunka Manin was a ruler of the Ghana Empire, who reigned from 1062 to 1076 C.E. He inherited his throne from his mother, brother, King Basi, and as King, he was the chief decision-maker. Manin was known for his

involvement with the local communities and his success economically, as he increased trade, especially that of salt, greatly within the empire. The Ancient Ghana Empire was believed to have been founded by the Soninke dynasty between AD300- 400. By the 10th century,

it extended its territory west to the river Senegal, South of the Bambouk region, east to the Niger and north to the Berber town of Awadaghost. By the 11th century it covered the area of the modern state of Senegal, Mali and Mauritania. Ancient Ghana was attacked by an Islamic

movement known as Almoravid and later by the Mandingo neighbors under the ruler Sundiata Keita in 1240. Tunka Manin successfully held off the Almoravid attacks on the Ghana Empire, and even expanded it farther. Al-Bakri noted that Manin controlled some 200,000 warriors.

However, in 1076, the Almoravids succeeded in destroying the capital of the Ancient Ghana Empire known as Kumbi Saleh which was founded by Kaya Maahan in AD770 and therefore taking over rule of the former empire. The people in Manin’s town admired him for being a

constitutional leader, and for defeating the Almoravid armies. At exactly 1240, the Ghana Empire finally disintegrated, paving the way for the rise of another empire – the Mali Empire. But Tunka Manin was long gone at this period. However, the factors that led to the empire’s

decline started during his reign. Firstly, the monopoly which the empire enjoyed with its control of the trade in gold weakened suddenly when the Sanhaja Berbers joined the fray. This led to a serious unhealthy competition. Secondly, the sporadic attacks on the empire by its

enemies, notably the Almoravids and the Muslim State of Tekrur, the Susus and the Mandingos tremendously affected the defense capacity of the empire and later weakened its economy as a result of unceasing bombardments. These attacks occurred during 1062 to 1076 when Tunkamenin

was in power. Lastly, the sporadic attacks on the empire by its enemies, notably the Almoravids and the Muslim State of Tekrur, the Susus and the Mandingos tremendously affected the defense capacity of the empire and later weakened its economy as a result of unceasing

bombardments. These attacks occurred during 1062 to 1076 when Tunka manin was in power. During his reign, he controlled numerous warriors who were tasked with defending the kingdom. Manin settled disputes and ordeals and also had ministers who collected taxes and made laws.

He was a "lover of justice and favorable to Muslims," according to accounts of al-Bakhri, a visitor to the China kingdom. Manin is said to have surrounded himself with an air of divinity and magic, which he used to motivate his people to protect him well.

He was known to flaunt and display his wealth by dressing himself out in gold, ivory, and other precious materials. Manin was not a Muslim and refused to convert, which angered the Almoravids, a group of Islamic missionaries who wanted to convert others to their faith.

They had started invading the empire under Abu Bakr ibn Umar because of this. Al-Bakri noted that Manin controlled some 200,000 warriors. However, in 1076, the Almoravids succeeded in sacking the empire's capital of Kumbi Saleh. Manin continued to rule as a vassal of the

Almoravids and paid tribute to them. The Almoravids were expelled in 1087 with Abu Bakr being killed. The empire had, however, been severely weakened, and the territories formerly ruled by it had become independent. Islam, which had become the dominant faith of its upper class

was being imposed on all subjects, and many animists migrated to other areas away from the empire. Tunka Manin was a notable ruler of the Ghana Empire who was known for his involvement with the local communities, his success economically, and his refusal to convert to Islam,

which eventually led to the fall of his empire. He remains an important figure in African history and serves as a reminder of the complex and diverse history of the continent.

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