Futa Tooro

This region, along the border of Senegal and Mauritania, is historically significant as the center of several Fulani states, and a source of jihad armies and migrants to the Fouta Djallon.

[1][2] The word Futa is a general name the Fulbe gave to any area they lived in, while Toro was the actual identity of the region for its inhabitants, likely derived from the ancient kingdom of Takrur.

[5] Historically, each of the Futa Toro geographical provinces were fertile pockets of the waalo flood plains, and this resource was controlled by kin groups.

The rise of the Almamyate of Futa Toro in 1776, which ended Denanke rule, inspired a series of Islamic reform movements and jihads around the region, led by groups of educated Fula Muslims known as the Torodbe.

[8][1] In the 1780s Abdul Kader became almaami (religious leader or imam) of Futa Toro but his forces were unable to establish their control over the surrounding states.

Futa Toro and West African kingdoms, c. 18th century.
Map of the Imamate of Futa Toro, early 19th century
The army of Futa Toro in march (1820).