Explications:
The fall of the Songhai Empire in the 16th century can be attributed to several factors:
1. **Invasion by Moroccan Forces:** One of the significant factors was the invasion by Moroccan forces led by Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in 1591. The Songhai forces were defeated at the Battle of Tondibi, marking the end of the empire.
2. **Internal Strife and Succession Issues:** The Songhai Empire experienced internal conflicts and struggles for succession after the death of strong leaders like Askia the Great. These internal issues weakened the empire and made it susceptible to external threats.
3. **Economic Decline:** The decline of the Trans-Saharan trade routes and the diminishing importance of the city of Timbuktu as a major trading center contributed to the economic decline of the Songhai Empire. This economic downturn weakened the empire's ability to sustain itself.
4. **Military Weakness:** The military strength of Songhai had diminished over time. The empire faced challenges in maintaining a powerful and cohesive military force, making it vulnerable to external invasions.
5. **Shift in Trade Routes:** The European exploration and the discovery of sea routes to the East led to a shift in trade routes away from the Trans-Saharan routes. This reduced the economic significance of Songhai's traditional trade routes.
6. **Environmental Factors:** Drought and environmental changes in the region may have contributed to agricultural difficulties, affecting the empire's food production and overall stability.
The combination of external invasions, internal conflicts, economic decline, and military weakness collectively led to the fall of the Songhai Empire, marking the end of one of the great West African empires.