Sarraounia facts for kids

Sarraounia Mangou was a brave leader and priestess. She belonged to the Azna people, a group within the Hausa. Sarraounia fought against French soldiers in 1899. This happened during the Battle of Lougou in what is now Niger. Her story inspired a 1986 film called Sarraounia. It was based on a book by Abdoulaye Mamani.

Sarraounia's Story

The word Sarraounia means queen or female chief. It comes from the Hausa language. For the Azna people of Lougou, a Sarraounia was a special female ruler. She held both political and religious power. Sarraounia Mangou became very famous. This was because she bravely resisted French soldiers in 1899.

Most leaders in Niger at that time gave in to the French. But Sarraounia Mangou chose to fight. She gathered her people and resources. They faced the French forces of the Voulet–Chanoine Mission. The French launched a strong attack on her fortress in Lougou.

The French had much stronger weapons. Sarraounia and her fighters had to leave their fortress. But they didn't give up. They fought the French in a long, hidden battle. This is called a guerrilla battle. They kept fighting until the French had to stop trying to defeat them.

Local stories say Sarraounia had special powers. People believed she could throw fire at invaders. They also said she could make fog appear. This fog helped her people escape the French army. It was also said her magic made their footprints disappear. And any burned crops would grow back overnight. This gave her warriors plenty of food.