“Economic discontent was the major factor that led to Mandinka resistance to French rule.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement in the question. Candidates may refer to Mandinka fears that their economic prosperity was under threat and the concerns of Samori Toure that the French would threaten Mandinka agriculture, the Bure gold mine and the major trading centre at Kankan. While other relevant factors, for example the politically motivated aspects of Mandinka resistance (which included the desire to regain cities that had been lost to the French) and the desire to retain Islamic leadership in the kingdom, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.