The Political Landscape of West Africa

The political landscape of West Africa was extensive, complicated, and goes back 10,000 years, in precolonial times.

Failing to do research using publically available tools is not an excuse for believing West Africa have no governance systems or political boundaries prior to the Scramble for Africa. 

From the ancient archaeological site of Ounjougou in Mali to the mighty empires of the Sahel and the forest kingdoms of Nigeria and Benin, West Africa's civilizations have woven a tapestry of interconnected histories, spanning millennia and diverse landscapes.

It all began with Ounjougou, where early humans crafted tools and cultivated the land along the Bandiagara Escarpment, revealing the ingenuity of our ancestors as they adapted to their environment. Meanwhile, the Kintampo Civilization thrived near Ghana's Kintampo Falls, engaging in trade and metallurgy, laying the groundwork for future advancements.

As time progressed, the Dar Tichitt and Daima Civilizations emerged in Mauritania and around Lake Chad, respectively, showcasing early urbanization and metallurgical prowess. Across the Niger Delta, the Ijaw and Itsekiri Kingdoms flourished, harnessing the region's maritime resources for trade and sustenance.

Inland, the Nok Civilization of Nigeria pioneered iron smelting and sculpted intricate terracotta figures, while the Kingdom of Benin dazzled with its bronze artworks and sophisticated governance system.

Further north, the Ghana Empire rose to prominence as a hub of trans-Saharan trade, accumulating wealth from gold and salt exchanges. The Ghana Empire was later eclipsed by the Mali Empire. Meanwhile, the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the Lake Chad Basin and the Songhai Empire along the Niger River established formidable states, fostering cultural exchange and intellectual flourishing.

South and East of the Songhai Empire were various federations such as the Zuru federation and various emirates.

In the forested regions, the Yoruba and Edo kingdoms of Ife, Oyo, and Benin thrived, leaving behind remarkable artistic legacies and political achievements. The Igbo and Aro Confederacies in southeastern Nigeria forged powerful alliances, shaping the region's political landscape.

The Southern kingdoms and confederacies produced iron products which found an export market among the Tiv farmers in the middle belt of modern Nigeria. In the central region of Nigeria, the Tiv people formed a federation known as the Tiv Federation. This federation consisted of various Tiv-speaking groups organized under a decentralized political system. The Tiv Federation thrived on agriculture, with each group contributing to the collective welfare of the federation through farming and trade.

Moving westward, the Borgu Kingdom occupied the borderlands between present-day Nigeria and Benin. This kingdom was known for its strategic location along trade routes, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange. The Borgu people established a network of settlements and engaged in trade with neighboring states, contributing to the region's vibrant history.

Additionally, in the northern regions of Ghana and Burkina Faso, the Mossi Kingdoms formed a confederation of states under the leadership of the Mossi people. This confederation, consisting of the Yatenga, Wagadugu, and Tenkodogo Kingdoms, among others, wielded considerable influence in the Sahel region. The Mossi Kingdoms were known for their military prowess and centralized governance structure, which enabled them to defend their territories and expand their influence through trade and conquest. 

South of the Mossi kingdoms were the kingdoms of Dagbon, Gonja, Mamprusi, and Dagomba.

In the coastal areas of present-day Ghana and Togo, the Ga-Dangme Federation emerged as a powerful political entity. Comprising various Ga and Dangme-speaking communities, this federation controlled trade along the coast and played a significant role in regional politics. The Ga-Dangme Federation's maritime expertise allowed them to navigate the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, facilitating trade with European merchants and neighboring states.

These federations and civilizations, though not as extensively documented as their counterparts in the initial narrative, played crucial roles in shaping the cultural and political landscape of West Africa. Through trade, diplomacy, and conflict, they contributed to the region's rich tapestry of history, leaving behind legacies that continue to resonate in the modern era.

The remaining geographical gaps were filled by city-states such as the kingdom of Ketu, Owu, Whydah, Egba kingdom of Abeokuta, the Batta kingdom, Shira kingdom, the Kontagora Emirate, Yauri Emirate, kingdom of Ondo, and Efik Dukedoms.

These regions are all just a sample, and I have left out a lot of other kingdoms, city-states, federations (like Kwararafa), and theocracies (like the Nri kingdom).

Throughout these centuries, West Africa's civilizations experienced ebbs and flows, conquests and alliances, but their enduring legacies endure in the cultural fabric of the region. From the shores of Senegal to the plains of Nigeria, each civilization contributed to the rich mosaic of West African history, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, resilience, and interconnectedness that continues to shape the region to this day.