Kaabu

Kaabu Empire
Kaabu
1537–1867
Kaabu Empire circa 1625 (in purple)
Kaabu Empire circa 1625 (in purple)
CapitalKansala
Common languagesMandinka
Religion
Traditional African Religion
GovernmentMonarchy
Kaabu Mansaba 
• 13th century
Sama Koli (first)
• 1867
Janke Waali (last)
History 
• Kaabu Tinkuru Founded
1230s
• Independence from the Mali Empire
1537
1867
Currencyiron bars, cloth
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Mali Empire
Imamate of Futa Jallon
Fuladu
Portuguese Guinea

Kaabu (1537–1867), also written Gabu, Ngabou, and N'Gabu, was a federation of Mandinka kingdoms in the Senegambia region centered within modern northeastern Guinea-Bissau, large parts of today's Gambia, and extending into Koussanar, Koumpentoum, and the Casamance in Senegal.

It rose to prominence as an imperial military province of the Mali Empire. After the decline of the Mali Empire, Kaabu became independent. Kansala, the imperial capital, was captured by Fula forces from the Futa Jallon during the 19th century Fula jihads. However, Kaabu's successor states across Senegambia continued to thrive even after the fall of Kansala; this lasted until total incorporation of the remaining kingdoms into the British, Portuguese and French spheres of influence during the Scramble for Africa.