Resistance: The Scramble for the Sahel, 1890

The Sahel, which stretches from Senegal to Sudan, is at a pivotal point at the close of the 19th century. European empires are rapidly moving inland: the Ottoman empire aims to regain control over trans-Saharan trade routes, Britain is growing from the coast, and France is solidifying its hold on West Africa. In a time of imperial rivalry, each power is vying for territory, gold, and geopolitical clout. However, the Sahel will not stand by and will not go unnoticed.

In support of sovereignty, religion, trade, and cultural survival, the Sokoto Caliphate, the Ashanti Empire, the Kingdom of Dahomey, the Bornu Empire, and decentralized resistance coalitions organize. In order to defend their dignity and sovereignty, African diplomats, fighters, academics, and traders negotiate challenging political environments.

As tensions escalate, an unprecedented event rattles the region: a meteorite crashes near Kano, rumored to contain rare elements capable of transforming manufacturing capabilities. Word spreads. Armies mobilize. Alliances fracture. Every empire wants it, and every kingdom needs it.

You will step into the shoes of generals, monarchs, sultans, colonial officers, traders, envoys, engineers, and resistance leaders as the Sahel suddenly becomes the center of the most important geopolitical context in American history. Good luck.