Under Seku
The Kong Empire under Seku lasted from around 1710 until 1740 (with the death of his brother Famaga). After establishing control over Kong, forces under Seku and allied leaders with their own war houses, took over towns and settlements throughout the region mainly focused on control of trade routes. They took over the region around the Black Volta to the north early during Seku's reign and to the south to Boule. In the south, the forces of the Kong Empire ran into the growing Ashanti Empire about control over Gyaaman leading to a significant series of battles ending in Ashanti control over Gyaaman, but recognition of the authority of the Kong Empire. To establish stable control, Seku appointed each of his twelve sons as chiefs of crucial settlements throughout the region.
Seku died in 1735 and the empire largely fell into disarray. His son, Kere-Mori, asserted authority but Seku's brother Famaga refused to recognize his claim and so took control over large parts of the northern settlements and operated out of Bobo-Dioulasso. Although there was a significant internal rivalry between the force of Kere-Mori and Famaga they were allied for external purposes. This was most crucial in the 1730 expeditions north of the Black Volta toward the Niger River. In November 1739, the combined forces took over a number of important cities including the trade post of Sofara. The forces reached the important city of Djenné-Djenno, on the banks of the Niger River before they were pushed back by forces of Bitòn Coulibaly.
Read more about this topic: Kong Empire