[1][2][3] He is regarded as one of the "greatest rulers" of the empire and is attributed with ushering in the second era of Kanem-Bornu, following a century-long civil war that had divided the realm.
He implemented reforms and put an end to internal conflicts that had plagued the empire and waged several successful wars with his neighbours.
[4][6]: 114 Mai Ali instigated vital governmental reforms, bringing an end to the century-long civil wars that had torn the empire apart.
[5] To centralize his administration, he erected the large capital of Birnin N'gazagamu, situated on the southern bank of the Komadugu Yobe River, near the border of what are now Nigeria and Niger.
[4][6] This capital remained the focal point of power for the empire's rulers for three and a half centuries, until it was destroyed during the Sokoto jihad in 1812.