In 1890 Bokar Biro took power in a coup after assassinating his brother, and began placing men loyal to him in positions of authority.

[1] The French decided to intervene, and sent a small force demanding a treaty with terms that favored their interests against the British.

[3] At the end of the rainy season in late 1896 the French dispatched troops from Senegal, Guinea and the Sudan, converging on Futa Jallon.

[4] He was opposed by a combined force of French troops and Fulbe led by Umaru Bademba Barry.

They recognized the independence of Alfa Yaya, a chief who had supported them, and appointed Umaru Bademba as the almani.