The weak leadership in Mali and Portuguese influence on Kongo led to their respective declines in power and autonomy during the 15th century.
The downfall of the Empire of Mali was primarily attributed to the weakness of its later rulers, which led to foreign invasions, rebellions, and the resulting decline of the empire's territories by the fifteenth century.
The Kingdom of Kongo in the fifteenth century faced challenges as Portuguese merchants set up colonies, dominated trade in nzimbu shells, and established trade relations with other local kingdoms, weakening Kongo's autonomy and power.
The rise and fall of these West African empires highlight the complex interactions between local rulers, external influences, and trade dynamics that shaped the region's history during this period.
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