The Borno Empire: A View On It’s Political Arrangement

If you had had the perception that Borno was a clueless state in North Africa, several intricacies must have eroded thoughts of such manners. Before the 19th century, they had existed but the foremost epoch was the astute ascendancy of dan Fodio and the Sokoto Caliphate which only did not manifest in them but also in the Hausa States. Their leader held the title of the Mai.

The Mai was a half-divine king encircled by an impenetrable court sacrament. Unlike other regular kings, he could only be approached from a distance and hidden from sight. Personal thoughts remarked it was “awkward” but it would be for a reason. The enforced seclusion isolated the Mai from practical politics and geared him towards literary highbrow pursuits, overindulgent religious devoutness, or the enjoyment of his harem. No one dared question his authority, even the Royal relatives were kept at bay.

He presided over a State Council of 12 made up of decorated aristocrats and administrators exclusively known as the Kokenwa. Since the nobility held military titles, it was only right that they had the responsibility to defend and oversee specific parts of the empire. Their abode was under royal observation and not their areas of supervision, so they may not encourage uprisings. The Kokenwa was saddled with the responsibility to collect tax, and administrative duties and supervise the local chiefs. They were either the Kambe(free-born commoners) or Kachela(men of obsequious origin). Officers and lesser ranks were Rachel but commanders of the army were titled nobles.

Also, the high court of twelve judges presided over by the Mainin Kanendi(Chief justice and second in the

hierarchy to the Mai) resided in the capital. However, judgments passed by the local magistrates (Mallamai) could be appealed against by the high court.

The political organization was reinforced by the Kanuri blueprint of a centralized system and overall allegiance to the Mai. However, its history comprised of advancement and stagnation but it never collapsed. In fact, in times of tranquility and economic boom, Mai’s separation would heighten but under duress, he could emanate and utilize his robust powers to restore the kingdom and avoid disintegration.