“The most important factor in the rise of the Mali Empire was its military organization.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the most important factor in the rise of the Mali Empire was its military organization. Candidates may refer to Sundiata Keita, the warrior-prince who founded the empire by building a powerful army and achieving military victories over his rivals. Sundiata’s army was highly organized and armed with poison arrows, javelins, stabbing spears and chain armour. His elite cavalry divisions, known as farari, were particularly effective in battle. War canoes were used to expand territory along the Niger river and its tributaries. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the decline of the Ghana Empire, which created a power vacuum and new opportunities for expansion, and the significance of the trade in gold and salt, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.