Editing Kanem–Bornu Empire (section)

==== Fulani Jihad, 18th–19th century ====
By the late 18th century, Kanem-Borno faced multiple challenges that weakened its power. Its military declined due to neglect in training, preparedness, and firepower, particularly muskets, which had previously ensured victories. This military weakness led to the loss of control over vassal states, such as [[Sultanate of Bagirmi|Bagirmi]], which began raiding Bornoan territories. Additionally, intensified Tuareg raids resulted in the loss of the [[Bilma]] salt mines and vital [[Trans-Saharan trade routes]] in 1759. The rising power of the [[Wadai Sultanate]] further disrupted the region, causing demographic shifts that compounded Borno's instability. These issues culminated in the 19th century Jihad movement, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Saifawa Dynasty and the end of one of Africa's longest-ruling dynasties.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Maishanu |first=Hamza Muhammad |last2=Maishanu |first2=Isa Muhammad |date=1999 |title=THE JIHĀD AND THE FORMATION OF THE SOKOTO CALIPHATE |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20837029 |journal=Islamic Studies |volume=38 |issue=1 |pages=119–121 }}</ref>

Around this time, [[Fula people|Fulani people]] invading from the west were able to make major inroads into Bornu during the [[Fulani War]]. By the early 19th century, Kanem–Bornu was clearly an empire in decline, and in 1808 Fulani warriors conquered [[Ngazargamu]]. [[Usman dan Fodio]] led the [[Fulani Empire|Fulani]] thrust and proclaimed a [[jihad]] (holy war) on the irreligious Muslims of the area. His campaign eventually affected Kanem–Bornu and inspired a trend toward Islamic orthodoxy.<ref name="Palmer" />{{rp|259–267}}<ref name="Vincent">{{cite book |last1=Hiribarren |first1=Vincent |title=A History of Borno: Trans-Saharan African Empire to Failing Nigerian State |date=2017 |publisher=Hurst & Company |location=London |isbn=978-1-84904-474-5 |pages=19–20}}</ref>