The middle phase of the war with Mali began sometime two years after the declaration of war. Mali was no longer on the full offensive but Kanem Bornu lacked the strength to push back. Odd skirmishes were made into Kanem Bornu by the Malians but in general the two sides faced off over the border.
Mali maintains their ten thousand strong border guard. Other armies wait in reserve. Small detachments probe for weaknesses in Kanem Bornu's defence
Hausa though was pushed back by a hastily strengthened force of clubmen. Soon their armies were scattered and all of their cities were laid siege. But manpower was low so the sieges could only progress slowly with not enough men available for tight control of the surrounding area let alone an assault.
Hausa under siege
Though neither Mali or Kanem Bornu could break the other side the casualties were mounting for both. Skirmishes might not do much harm individually but over a whole war they amount to much. After several years of such low key warfare Muhammad III decided to take the offensive. Kanem Bornu's cavalry were ordered into Dendi to attack the weakened defenders.
The battle was a success. It seemed Mali were on the back foot. But that feeling was short-lived as Mali soon replied in kind with an invasion of Zamfara.
Mali invades again forcing a withdrawal from Dendi.
But in a stroke of luck it was found that the invasion force was none other than a paper lion (
tigers being as yet unknown in KB). Although composed of a full seventeen regiments the force numbered less than 1500 men. They were quickly used to wipe the floor by Muhammad and his cavalry.
Despite this great victory the overall war was still in Mali's favour.
The other war was most decidedly going in Kanem Bornu's favour. Hausa was broken.
At last the fort crumbles
And willing to accept whatever deal came their way.
One front is secured.
With the south fully under control Muhammad ordered a full scale invasion of Mali, whose borders were now left undefended. Dendi was taken swiftly and the unfortified lands of Songhai even swifter.
The invasion was strong and battles began to go increasingly in Kanem Bornu's favour.
Soon, despite superior troop numbers Mali was feeling the pressure of the war keenly. No effort they made could budge the invaders from their lands.
Lands now firmly held by Kanem Bornu.
At last after eleven long years of tiring war it was time for peace. No half measures would be given.
And so one dangerous neighbour was pacified. There could be little doubt that there would be future wars with Mali but the chances of them being decade long struggles were certainly much less. But of concern for Muhammad III was the appearance of a new neighbour to the north, the Mamluks. Would they be in line for a clubbing too?
