Millennial Kanem-Borno: Celebrating uncommon tradition of resilience 

For over a millennium, the Kanem-Bornu Empire wielded immense military, political, economic and socio-cultural prowess, with which it built an enviable degree of fame and pedigree in both its physical and spiritual being in the annals of the Central Sudan.

Now in its defunct physical state, it, in spirit, still seems to possess the sufficient, formidable force to unite, sustain, and celebrate bonds among its former integral sections, which were partitioned among modern African nations by colonialists.

The ancient entity, now in spirit, proudly pulls the partitioned entities to a biennial summit to celebrate their collective political and socio-cultural identities, albeit in the context of modern nationhood, to which contemporary history disperses and clusters them mainly in the four Lake Chad basin nations of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

In these four nations, and to several lesser populations in a few other West, Central, and East African nations, the spiritually solid and proud Kanem-Bornoans now harmoniously coexist with other ethnic nationalities as bona fide and integral citizens.

Many historians consider the Kanem-Bornu Empire to be one of the longest-lasting empires in African history, which emerged around the 8th century in the Kanem region (present-day Chad) and later expanded to Borno (present-day Nigeria).

According to them, it was a trans-Saharan empire famous for its trade, particularly along the trans-Saharan trade routes and its enduring state structure.

The foundation and early history of the Kanem–Bornu Empire is quite scanty. The empire is, however, said to have been founded around the year 800, albeit, according to some sources, it may have been established centuries earlier or later.

A century of political instability followed, according to sources, until Mai Ali Ghaji founded Ngazargamu as the new permanent capital and administrative seat of the empire.

From the 15th century, the empire began to experience a slow but steady decline due to changing economic patterns and conflicts with various neighbours, such as the Tuareg.

Despite all such conflicts, however, the empire reached its pinnacle of military, political, and economic power and influence under Mai Idris Alooma in the late 15th century.

During Mai Alooma’s reign, the empire sustained, savoured and exercised power for a long period, extending its long arm of power far and wide, subduing even the Hausa states, with which it related as its vassals.

Throughout its golden periods, the Kanem-Bornu Empire was sustained by its economic integration, facilitated by its central control of the Trans-Saharan trade, and its complex administrative structure, which contributed significantly to its military and political cum administrative prowess.

In keeping with its centuries-old fine administrative structure, the defunct empire has, to this day, proudly sustained an enviable administrative structure established by the Shehu dynasty, founded by Shehu Laminu (Muhammad Al-Amin Al-Kanemi) at the onset of the 19th-century Danfodio jihad.

Interestingly, the Kanem-Borno Empire is not a culture or tradition, but a race that has endured despite its ups and downs over nearly a thousand years.

Recently, the ancient city of Maiduguri hosted the 2nd Annual General Conference and Cultural Summit. The event showcases a vibrant heritage and a crucial forum for charting the future of the rich Kanem Borno civilisation.

Business Day reports that vibrant annual events have brought together personalities from all walks of life and neighbouring countries, including Niger, Chad, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Ghana, and Sudan. Maiduguri, the capital of Borno, is saturated with vibrant colours of tradition, which draw a distinguished array of traditional rulers, academics, policymakers, and cultural enthusiasts from within and outside the state.

The summit, under the theme Echoes of Resilience: Harnessing Culture for Peace and Regional Stability,  is poised to explore innovative strategies for the preservation, promotion, and utilisation of the rich Kanem Borno cultural heritage as a potent instrument for healing, reconciliation, and sustainable socio-economic development in a region steadily recovering from years of conflict.

The Shehu of Borno stands as the symbolic and spiritual heir to the long historical continuum. As custodian of tradition, faith and communal unity.

In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi, CFR, passionately emphasised the vital role of culture as the foundation of identity and tradition.

The opening sessions feature a series of insightful presentations and panel discussions on topics ranging from the digitisation of ancient Kanem Borno manuscripts to the role of indigenous languages in education and the economic potential of traditional crafts.

Beyond the intellectual discourse, the venue was alive with vibrant cultural exhibitions, showcasing an impressive array of traditional artefacts, historical regalia, and indigenous textiles. The air was filled with the undiluted sounds of Kanem Borno music and the captivating movements of traditional dancers, offering attendees a rich sensory experience of the region’s living culture.

The 2nd Annual General Conference and Cultural Summit, which just concluded, promises to galvanise efforts towards a holistic cultural revival, firmly positioning heritage as a catalyst for a peaceful and prosperous Kanem Empire.

Also speaking at the opening, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting cultural initiatives, emphasising the critical link between cultural revival and the state’s broader development agenda.

Zulum said thousands of Kanuri kinsmen from at least 10 countries, including a total of 161 emirs, high-profile government officials, and thousands of Kanuri delegates from the Republics of Ghana, Sudan, Gabon, Niger, the Central African Republic, Senegal, Libya, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin.

The summit also represented a deliberate effort to rebuild transnational kinship networks based on a shared identity, and consequently, to create a supportive global community that can tackle challenges collaboratively, invest in shared development, and ensure that the illustrious legacy of Kanem-Borno continues to inspire future generations.

Zulum reiterated that the Kanem-Borno Empire was one of the greatest and longest-lasting empires in African history. It flourished for over 1,000 years, roughly from the 9th to the 19th century in the region, encompassing parts of present-day Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Libya.

Zulum, who spoke in the Kanuri language, urged the summit to focus on fostering educational exchange, entrepreneurial collaboration, and socio-economic initiatives to uplift Kanuri communities globally.

The governor offered scholarships to 150 students from the countries that encompass the old Kanem Borno Kaneme as part of efforts to foster greater unity and fraternity.

Other dignitaries included the governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; the former vice President, Babagana Kingibe; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Mohammed Ali Ndume, as well as Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan.

Additionally, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno was represented by the Governor of Lac Province, Major General Saleh Haggar Tidjani.

Governor of Lac Province, Major General Saleh Haggar Tidjani, called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to construct the Maiduguri/Gomboru Ngala highway, which has been in a state of disrepair for the last decade, noting that the dilapidation of the highway has contributed to the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency war.

He underscored the importance of the highway as an economic gateway to Central Africa and even Libya, noting that if the highway is constructed, it would boost socio-economic activities and productivity in the Lake Chad Basin countries.

He advised: “If the Government of Nigeria can construct the road that links Maiduguri with Chad, definitely this will bring peace and stability in the border areas.  Because, after the Lagos-Badagry road, this road is a lifeline in terms of economics to Nigeria and Central Africa, serving as a trans-Saharan trade route, and there is an urgent need for the Nigerian government to construct this vital road.”Saleh Haggar Tidjani advocated.

Meanwhile, Babakura Mamman Gadai, General Secretary, Kanem Borno Cultural Summit Committees, noting that, “Many of our relatives have been separated into different countries due to colonial administrative and political structure beyond Borders, but what matters is that you can’t separate us from our brothers and sisters from across the borders. The Summit has representatives from 10 countries, including Benin Republic,  Cameroon, Chad, Ghana,  Niger Republic,  Sudan,  Central African, Libya and Nigeria.

He explained that the Kanem-Bornu Empire doesn’t represent only Kanuri but a nation: “When we talk about Kanuris, we don’t talk about Borno state but a nation that comprises people from different nations and different backgrounds. It gladdens my heart to you that in Nigeria, people from Kastina, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kano, Gombe and Jigawa

He stressed: “We believe that this Summit will reawaken the long forgotten culture and traditions of our culture. Now, with this Summit, we have seen a lot of significant changes and enthusiasm of the young generations about their culture that will eventually bring the people together.  Like I said, this Summit bring people together to discuss peace, regional stability, economic viability, social cohesion and preservation of cultural and traditional.

Babakura begged: “We are urging the federal government to scale up security because the Borno State Government is spending heavily on security in the state.  So that people can go about their livelihoods without fear of being attacked or killed. No meaningful development can take place without peace, so we are urging the Tinubu administration to fix these security issues so that we can have meaningful development in the region. “He disclosed.

According to organisers, they have already identified the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) as a potential sponsor of the cultural event that is uniting people of the Lake Chad Region and beyond.

Zanna Hassan Boguma, the Chairman of the organising committee, said the summit, which brought together over 168 prominent traditional rulers, title holders, and their contingents, featured cultural performances, exhibitions, and discussions on regional development.

Zanna revealed that they will commence efforts to secure foreign and local sponsorship for the bi-annual event, aiming to ensure its sustainability.

He optimistic that with adequate funding, the event can become a key platform for promoting Kanem-Borno’s rich history and fostering regional cooperation.

Boguma believed that strong coordination among traditional institutions, community leaders, and security agencies ensured a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for all participants.

” Kanem Borno Cultural Summit is an international event and we intend to go into partnerships like other international cultural events and ensure the sustainability of Kanem Borno Cultural Summit.

” We have seen other international cultural events without government sponsorship and ours in Kanem Borno Cultural Summit would not be different. We have international bodies responsible for culture and individuals who are ready to assist us,” Boguma said.

The Committee Chairman added that there’s need for greater unity, cooperation, and sustained commitment for the preservation and promotion of Kanem–Borno cultures, traditions, and languages.

He advocated: “The institutionalisation of the Kanem–Borno Cultural Summit/Festival as a recurring flagship cultural diplomacy platform. The establishment of a Standing Kanem–Bornu Cultural Committee to ensure continuity, coordination, and institutional memory.

” The creation of a Kanem–Bornu Cultural Network, serving as cultural ambassadors across countries and regions. Expanded participation of youth, women, academics, diaspora, and cultural organisations to ensure generational continuity.

Zanna Hassan highlighted that over 4,000 participants attended the just-concluded Kanem Borno Cultural and lauded the Federal Government for ensuring security before, during, and after the event.

He urged:“In this regard, we respectfully call on UNESCO and other international cultural institutions to recognise the Borno Durbar as a World Cultural Heritage and to support the Kanem–Borno Cultural Summit as a flagship African initiative for peacebuilding, cultural cooperation, and regional integration.

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