Mahmud ibn Zarkun

Ahmad al-Mansur condemned him to death, but before the executioner could carry out the sentence, Mahmud died in a suicidal battle against the Songhai forces on 15 March 1595 near the Niger River.

The expedition's initial leader, Judar Pasha, had achieved significant victories and offered peace to Askia Ishaq II.

[1][2][3] Mahmud's elite forces crossed the Sahara in just seven weeks, much faster than the first expedition led by Judar Pasha, which left Marrakesh on October 16, 1590, and reached the Niger River in February 1591.

Learning that the Songhai people fled across the river when threatened by the Moroccans, Mahmud decided to change this dynamic by constructing three barges within three weeks, using doors, window frames, and the few available trees.

[2] However, Mahmud stipulated that the peace agreement required Askia and his officials to personally swear allegiance to the Moroccans.

[2] Askia accepted, but during the ensuing reception for the food supply, Mahmud ordered the capture of all Songhai leaders except Bukara.

[1] Mahmud ibn Zarkun then decided to install a new Askia on the territories he controlled, hoping this would calm the Sudanese.

[6] His brother, Nuh, evacuated many Songhai people from the areas occupied by Morocco, intending to continue resistance in Dendi.

[2] Pasha Mahmud was aware of the Sultan's reaction to the peace offer sent to Marrakesh by Judar, and therefore, he concluded that he had to fully conquer the Songhai territory.

[7] While Mahmud ibn Zarkun was waging war against Ishak II, the inhabitants of Timbuktu raised a rebellion.

Ahmad al-Mansur received the Kadi's envoys kindly and promised to end the repression, but secretly sent new troops with orders to arrest Umar and suppress any resistance.

[13][14] Askia Nuh sent Mahmud ibn Zarkun's head to Kanta Dawud, the Sultan of the allied Kebbi.