Factors that led to the defeat of Samori Toure by the French:
- Lack of support: Samori failed to receive support from other African societies due to a lack of unity. Some communities, such as Ahmed Seku of Tukolor and Tieba of Sikasso, chose to assist the French instead of supporting Samori.
- Vulnerability to attacks: Samori’s second empire was open to attacks from all sides, both by the British and the French. This made it difficult for him to defend his territory effectively.
- Superior French weapons and resources: The French had superior weapons and better means to re-equip their stores. They were determined to defeat Samori in order to establish an overseas colonial empire.
- Resentment towards scorched earth policy: The use of the scorched earth policy by Samori was resented by the civilians, as it left them with nothing after destruction. This policy also stirred up local resistance against him.
- Lack of total unity within his empire: Even within his own empire, there was no total unity. Non-Mandinka communities and non-Muslims who felt mistreated during Samori’s reign chose to support the French instead.
- British refusal to assist: Samori’s hopes of getting a European ally against the French were dashed when the British refused to assist him. This further weakened his position.
- Blocked retreat and besieged capital: Samori’s retreat to Liberia was blocked by the French, and his capital was besieged. This forced him to surrender to the French.
