Mahmadu Lamine facts for kids

Mahmadu Lamine Drame, also known as Ma Lamine Demba Dibassi, was an important religious leader in the 1800s. He was part of the Tijaniyyah religious group. He led several uprisings against the French colonial government. These events happened in the area that is now Senegal.

Early Life and Learning

Mahmadu Lamine Drame was born between 1835 and 1840. His birthplace was Goundiorou, near Kayes in modern-day Mali. His father was a religious teacher. Lamine first learned about the Qur'an from him. He also studied in Tabajang in Casamance and Bunumbu in Kantora. Later, he studied under Fodé-Mohammed-Saloum in Bakel.

After 1850, Lamine likely traveled to Ségou. There, he met Umar Tall, another important leader. He might have worked for him. Between 1864 and 1874, Lamine went on a hajj. This is a special religious journey to Mecca. He probably left Ségou after Umar Tall's death. He returned home between 1878 and 1880. When he came back, Umar Tall's son, Ahmadu Tall, put him in prison.

Leading Uprisings

Lamine returned to the Upper Senegal region. He began to gather many followers. He even claimed to be friends with the French.

First Rebellion (1886)

In February 1886, Lamine declared a jihad. This means a holy struggle or fight for a cause. He declared it against Bundu. Bundu was ruled by a new leader called an almamy. This almamy was controlled by the French. Lamine's forces captured Boulibani, the capital of Bundu.

He then surrounded the French fort in Bakel. But French soldiers from Kayes arrived. They broke the siege. Lamine had to retreat south. The French, with help from Toucouleur and Moorish allies, burned many villages. They destroyed about one hundred villages in the area.

Second Rebellion (1886)

Lamine set up his base again in Diana. This area is now part of the Tambacounda region. From there, he attacked Bundu again. He killed the Almamy Omar Penda, who was controlled by the French.

In December 1886, two French groups attacked. They were led by Lt. Col. Joseph Galliéni and battalion chief Vallière. They captured Diana and chased Lamine away.

Final Rebellion (1887)

After this defeat, Lamine regrouped in Toubakouta. This was in the Kingdom of Niani. In July 1887, he launched his next attack. This time, it was against the Kingdom of Wuli. His forces took over the capital. They also executed the king, who was another French-controlled ruler.

Galliéni captured Toubakouta on December 8, 1887. Lamine was caught the next day. French forces executed him on December 9, 1887.

Images for kids

• 

  The political situation in 1886 during Mahmadu Lamine's rebellions.

• 

  The political situation between 1886 and 1887.

• 

  The political situation in 1887.