The laws of the Mali Empire, largely based on a blend of Islamic principles and local traditions, spread to various regions across West Africa during the empire’s height, from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
One of the most significant areas influenced by Mali’s legal framework was the neighboring Songhai Empire, which absorbed many aspects of Mali’s governance and legal practices. The trade networks established by the Mali Empire also facilitated the diffusion of its laws to other regions, including parts of modern-day Senegal, Guinea, and Niger.
Additionally, as scholars and traders traveled along the famous trans-Saharan trade routes, they carried with them the legal principles and practices that were prevalent in Mali. This was particularly true in cities like Timbuktu and Gao, which became centers of learning and Islamic scholarship, further spreading Mali’s legal influence.
In summary, the laws of the Mali Empire spread primarily to the Songhai Empire and other regions in West Africa, supported by trade and the movement of scholars, significantly shaping the region’s legal and cultural landscape.