VThis is a particularly tragic fact that has long remained in the memory of Senegalese. The story of the women of Nder who, on a Tuesday in November 1819, collectively sacrificed themselves so as not to fall into the hands of Moorish slavers.
A fine act of resistance to salute, so that the bravery of these ladies never fades into oblivion ...
At that time, Walo was a prosperous province located at the mouth of the Senegal River. Its inhabitants, peaceful farmers, lived from trade with the caravanners of the trans-Saharan trade and with the people of Saint-Louis, the first colonial capital of Senegal, where they sold their agricultural produce. The river separated the Walo from Mauritania where the Trarzas tribe was established. From them, one never knew in advance whether they would land as customers to exchange goods or as enemies to refuel as captives. Still, since the installation of French troops in Saint-Louis, the Moors continued to increase their pressure against the Walo, which they wanted to bring under their control, in order to prevent the region from falling under domination. European.
That year, a long period of calm had succeeded the violent clashes in which the Moorish warriors and their Toucouleurs allies had once again emerged victorious. We were at the beginning of the dry season and Nder was living a bit in slow motion. Le Brack (the king) was in Saint-Louis to be treated for a bad wound received during the battle of Ntaggar against the Moors precisely. As usual, the dignitaries of the kingdom were traveling and a good part of the cavalry accompanied them.
Are you interested in this article and want to read it in full?
Access all Premium content. Over 2000 articles and ebooks