Sonni Baru

Who is Sonni Baru?

Sonni Bāru, also known as Sonni Abū Bakr Dao was the 16th and last king of the Sonni Dynasty to rule over the Songhai Empire located in west Africa. His rule was very short, from November 1492 to April 1493. The dates of his birth and death are unknown.

He succeeded his father Sonni Ali on the latter's death on 6 November 1492. However, one of Sonni Ali's generals, Muhammad Ture, plotted to take power. Baru was challenged by Askia because he was not seen as a faithful Muslim. As soon as he had made his arrangements, he attacked Sonni Bāru on 18 February 1493. Sonni Bāru's army was defeated. There was another, more decisive battle on 2 April 1493, after which Sonni Bāru fled into exile. The usurper then took power as Askia Muhammad Ture.