Rise of Songhai: The rise of the Songhai Kingdom, initially a Songhai vassal state, in the 15th century challenged the Mali Empire's dominance in the region. The Songhai conquered several Mali territories, including Timbuktu, and eventually conquered the entire empire.
Internal Conflicts and Succession Struggles: Mali faced internal power struggles and succession disputes within the royal family. These conflicts weakened the empire and made it vulnerable to external threats.
Drought and Famine: The empire experienced prolonged periods of drought and famine, which caused widespread devastation and economic hardship. The resulting instability further contributed to the empire's decline.
Trade Decline: The trans-Saharan trade routes, which were crucial for Mali's wealth, faced increasing competition and disruptions from other trade routes. This decline in trade revenue weakened the empire's economic base.
Portuguese Arrival on the Coast: The Portuguese began exploring the West African coast in the 15th century and established trading posts along the coast. This direct access to the Atlantic Ocean bypassed the traditional trade routes through the Sahara, further undermining Mali's control over trade.
Invasion of the Moroccan Saadi Dynasty: In 1591, the Moroccan Saadi Dynasty invaded and conquered the Songhai Empire. This invasion further destabilized the region and contributed to the overall decline of Mali's influence.
The combination of these factors led to the gradual decline and eventual collapse of the Mali Empire, marking the end of a significant era in West African history.
