Tiramakhan Traore

Tiramakhan Traore (variations : Toure-Makhan Traoré or Tirimakhan Trawally) was a 13th-century general in the Mali Empire who served under Sundiata Keita. In oral histories, Traore is credited with expanding the power of Mali into two very different areas: into Senegambia where he founded Kaabu, and into the region between Segou and Djenne.

A number of royal families traced their descent to Tiramakhan Traore, including the Guelowar of Sine and Saloum, the Nyancho aristocracy of Kaabu, and the Traore kings of the Kala and Bendugu provinces in what is central Mali. He was an important commander at the Battle of Kirina, which took place within his lands. He led a group of 75,000 people, including 40,000 free men and woman as well as 35,000 slaves and numerous artisans, west from the traditional Manding lands. Sundiata also sent his son Mansa Wali with Traore to learn from him and as a sign of trust. The column moved slowly, taking a year to reach Wuli in what is now the eastern end of The Gambia, growing crops along the way.

Traore defeated and killed the Jolof buurba in a battle on the north bank of the Gambia River. He crossed the river at what is now Basse Santa Su,

A few years later, Traore marched on and defeated Kikikor, the king of the Bainuk. He founded many new Mandinka towns, and ultimately died in Mampatim or perhaps Basse and was buried in Basse.