Judar Pasha's Songhai Expedition

Timeline

1. 1590Marrakesh · MoroccoAl-Mansur justified the expedition on grounds of salt mine disputes, gold trade routes, and Songhai border provocations, assembling the force at Marrakesh. Judar Pasha commanded, with a core of Andalusian and convert arquebusiers, supported by light cavalry, laborers, and a large camel train, plus artillery. Strength estimates range from about four thousand upward, but a firearms-centered force is well established.
2. 1590Draa River valley · SaharaThe expedition left Marrakesh on October 16, entering the Sahara via oases along the Draa River valley. Water scarcity, disease, and camel losses caused significant attrition, but the firearms and organization remained combat-capable as they continued south along the salt route.
3. 1590–1591Taghaza · SaharaJudar's forces seized or destroyed the Taghaza salt mines on which Songhai profited, cutting off its northern revenue, then crossed the southern desert. The long march surprised both sides: the Moroccan army suffered heavy losses, while the Songhai court was unprepared for an army capable of crossing the desert with artillery.
4. 1591Niger bend (north of Gao) · Niger River basinReaching the Niger River, the expedition obtained water and rest, then moved along the river toward the Songhai capital of Gao. Askia Ishak II hastily assembled a numerically superior but firearms-poor army. The subsequent decisive battle at Tondibi and the occupation are covered in dedicated battle and war entries.