[5]: 23 Shortly after Maissa Bigué was crowned, a rival claimant, Mawa Mbatio Sambe, launched a surprise attack and forced him into exile in Waalo.
[5]: 23 [6]: 41 From 1749 to 1756 Mawa Mbatio ruled as Damel while Maissa Bigué sought support from neighboring kings.
Eventually he led his forces to Maka, where the court resided, and in a brutal urban battle was able to drive his rival out of Cayor.
A relative of Mawa Mbatio claimed the throne at Mboul, and held the title for six months while Maissa Bigué rebuilt his strength.
[6]: 41 Maissa Bigué Ngoné Fall died two years after the battle of Mbal, leaving the throne to Madior Dior Yasin Issa.