Lingeer Ngoné Dièye facts for kids

Lingeer Ngoné Dièye (pronounced: Ling-eer Ngon-ay Dee-ay) was an important queen from the Kingdom of Saloum in West Africa. She was a powerful woman and a key ancestor of the Guedj (pronounced: Gej) family line. This family became very influential in the kingdoms of Cayor and Baol.

Lingeer Ngoné Dièye was married to a noble leader named Teigne Thié Yasin Demba Noudj Fall. She was also the mother of Lat Soukabé Ngoné Fall. Her son became the King of Cayor and Baol from 1697 to 1719. He was the first ruler from the Guedj family in these kingdoms. He took the throne by defeating the previous king, who was his own half-brother. After her son became king, Lingeer Ngoné Dièye became the Queen Mother.

Who Was Lingeer Ngoné Dièye?

Lingeer Ngoné Dièye was a noble woman from the Serer ethnic group. She belonged to the Dièye family in the Kingdom of Saloum. When she married the King of Cayor, she became a Queen. Later, her son, Lat Soukabé, took control of both Cayor and Baol. This made her the Queen Mother of both kingdoms.

Historians say that the Guedj family, which Lingeer Ngoné Dièye started, were known for being very adaptable and good at military strategies. The family line was named after the mother of the first Guedj king. She was from the coast, and the word guedj means "sea" in the Wolof language. Even though her son might not have been the first in line for the throne, he became king because he was very energetic and clever.

Her Role as Queen Mother

As Queen Mother, Lingeer Ngoné Dièye had a lot of influence. She was known for her wisdom and ability to help solve problems.

Working with the French

In 1697, a French leader named André Brue came to Senegal. He was in charge of trade for France. Lingeer Ngoné Dièye quickly built a good relationship with him. She saw André as being like her own son. She even called him that.

She often helped to keep the peace between her son, King Lat Soukabé, and the French. Sometimes, her son would get angry or say harsh things. Lingeer Ngoné Dièye would send secret messages to André Brue. She would ask the French to be patient and not to mind her son's outbursts. She regularly stepped in to try and control her son's actions when he dealt with the French.

A Lasting Legacy

Lingeer Ngoné Dièye is considered the main ancestor of all the Guedj kings who ruled Cayor and Baol. Her family line was very powerful for many centuries. They ruled these kingdoms until the French took control of the region.

One of her most famous descendants is Lat Dior, a well-known Senegalese hero. The story of Lingeer Ngoné Dièye shows how important women were in the history and politics of these African kingdoms.