Decline and Fall
Kong power and control of trade over the territory decreased significantly in the later part of the 1800s. Although the importance for the city in terms of commerce and Islamic study persisted, its independence and sphere of influence had decreased.
On 20 February 1888 Louis Gustave Binger entered Kong and made agreements with the leaders as part of the control of the area by France as part of the Ivory Coast colony. These agreements made Kong a key target for attacks from Samori Ture as a front in the Mandingo Wars between the Wassoulou Empire and the French. In 1897, Samori defeated the last forces of Kong and burnt the town to the ground causing members of Seku's royal house to flee to the north.
The remaining members of Seku's royal house took refuge in the Black Volta region where they divided territory creating what the French called "Les Etats de Kong." These kingdoms lasted for a short time before losing relevance to French colonial administration. The city of Kong was rebuilt by the French, but only about 3,000 residents returned and the city decreased significantly in relevance.
Read more about this topic: Kong Empire
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