French and British forces frequently became involved in these conflicts, providing them an opportunity to extend colonial power into the hinterland.
In 19th century Senegambia, the term 'Soninke' designated the animist of nominally Muslim traditional warrior ruling class.
Muslim marabouts had for generations been an important element of the social fabric, but remained politically dependent on the animist rulers.
[3][4] The Marabouts' desire to directly rule theocratic Islamic states led them to rebel against the traditional kings.
[9] Kaabu, a federation of Mandinka kingdoms across what it now The Gambia, Casamance, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, was the dominant economic and military power of southern Senegambia, and the main target of the Islamic alliance.
[1] Maba Diakhou Ba was a prominent marabout in the kingdom of Badibou (also known as Rip), on the northern bank of the Gambia river.
[10] After repeatedly clashing with French colonial forces, he was eventually defeated and killed during an invasion of the Kingdom of Sine at the Battle of Fandane-Thiouthioune by Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof.
He then set up a base at Toubakouta in the Kingdom of Niani, devastating the economy of the region, until eventually being defeated by French forces.