The slow decline of the Mali Empire that starts at the end of the fourteenth century comes about through internal discord and revolts by the inhabitants of vassal states, including the Songhai of Gao.

By the end of the fifteenth century, the Songhai Empire has replaced the Mali Empire and extends to Mauritania and the upper Senegal River Valley.

At the end of the sixteenth century, a large Moroccan force defeats the Songhai, bringing to an end the seven centuries of domination of the western Sudan (and a large part of Mauritania) by strong, centralized black kingdoms.