In the 19th century, it was the base for Samori Ture, a Dyula warlord who named the city in 1878 as the capital of his Wassoulou Empire (1861-1890).

He was known for his resistance to French colonial forces and prevailed for years against them and smaller African states.

The treaty had France obtain major rights of navigation on the Niger River, an important prelude to the French conqueests of West Africa.

[citation needed] On April 9, 1891, the city was attacked and burned by French forces commanded by Colonel Louis Archinard during the Mandingo Wars.

After Guinea attained independence, Ture's great-grandson Ahmed Sékou Touré was elected as the country's first president.