'Abd ar-Rahman ibn Muhammad al-Amin

Abd ar-Rahman bin Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanemi (died December 1854), sometimes called Abdurrahman or Darman, was briefly the shehu (ruler) of the Kanem–Bornu Empire from 1853 to 1854. He was the son of shehu Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanemi, the founder of the al-Kanemi dynasty, and the younger brother of shehu Umar Kura. A skilled military commander, Abd ar-Rahman played an important role in defending Bornu against external threats, including an 1846 invasion by the Wadai Sultanate, as well as an in the empire's expansion.

Abd ar-Rahman's reputation for cruelty and ambition, as well as his rivalry with the waziri (vizier) al-Hajj Bashir, led to deep divisions at the imperial court in Kukawa. Abd ar-Rahman deposed his half-brother Umar Kura in a coup d'état and ruled for less than a year before being overthrown and executed.

Under Umar Kura

Mai 's revolt Abd ar-Rahman was the son of Muhammad al-Amin al-Kanemi, the first shehu of Bornu. He was reputed for his bravery and military leadership. During the reign of his half-brother, Umar Kura, who succeeded their father as shehu in 1837, Abd ar-Rahman became one of the most powerful men in Bornu. Umar frequently disregarded his council and came to rely heavily on the advice of Kachella Bilal, the leading slave-general.

Not much is known of Umar's first nine years as shehu. However, a major development was the ongoing power struggle between the mais of Bornu, the de jure rulers, and the shehus, who exercised actual authority over the empire. Following the death of Muhammad al-Kanemi, mai Ibrahim IV Lefiami ordered the new shehu, Umar, to travel to Kafela to pledge his allegiance. Umar refused, instead demanding that the mai come to him in Kukawa. Ibrahim immediately obeyed and traveled to Kukawa to swear allegiance. Umar, angered with Ibrahim's initial hesitation, reduced the mai 's subsidy, a crucial source of his income.

The two armies clashed near the town of Kousséri in a fierce and bloody battle. Despite a determined defense, the Bornu forces suffered a devastating defeat and were forced to retreat, with several important leaders killed in combat. Upon returning to Kukawa, Umar executed mai Ibrahim and then fled northwest to join Abd ar-Rahman. Meanwhile, the Wadai army continued its advance, pillaging settlements along the way. Upon reaching Kukawa, they installed a new mai, Ali V, a son of Ibrahim. However, upon learning of shehu Umar and Abd ar-Rahman's approach, the Wadai forces retreated, leaving the newly appointed mai with only a small group of loyal supporters. Abd ar-Rahman also gained a reputation for treachery. On one occasion, after a difficult siege at Gujba, the town was on the brink of surrender. Gujba's leader, Mai Annur, secretly met withAbd ar-Rahman at his camp and proposed terms: the town would capitulate and offer all its horses, cattle, and able-bodied women and slaves as spoils, on the condition that his own life be spared and the townspeople allowed to retain their remaining food supplies. Abd ar-Rahman agreed to the terms and swore an oath on the Qur'an that he would not allow the shehu to harm Annur. When Umar learned of Gujba's surrender, he was elated and ordered the occupation of the city. As a reward for facilitating the capitulation, he honoured Abd ar-Rahman. However, soon after, Umar ordered Annur's execution. Despite his sworn oath, Abd ar-Rahman raised no objections and allowed the execution to be carried out.