HIST103: World History (1600–Present)

There are no dates for when Mansa Mahmud III ceased to rule Mali, which by 1560 was really only the core of the Manden Kurufa. From 1559 to 1645, the Mansas of Manden ruled from Kangaba during its final decline. The next notable Mansa, Mahmud IV, did not appear in any records until the end of the 16th century. However, he seems to have had the distinction of being the last ruler of a unified Manden. His descendants are blamed for the break-up of the Manden Kurufa into northern, central, and southern realms.

Mansa Mahmud IV

Mansa Mahmud IV (also known as Mansa Mamadou III, Mali Mansa Mamadou, and Niani Mansa Mamadou) was the last emperor of Manden according to the Tarikh es-Sudan ("History of the Sudan").

It states that he launched an attack on the city of Djenné in 1599 with Fulani allies hoping to take advantage of Songhai's defeat. Moroccan fusiliers, deployed from Timbuktu, met them in battle, exposing Mali to the same technology (firearms) that had destroyed Songhai. Despite heavy losses, the Mansa's army was not deterred and nearly carried the day. However, the army inside Djenné intervened, forcing Mansa Mahmud IV and his army to retreat to Kangaba.