250th Anniversary of the Fuuta-Tooro Revolution (1776–2026)
A celebration of memory, justice, freedom, and sovereignty
A celebration of memory, justice, freedom, and sovereignty
«Dire que ces belles idées démocratiques et progressistes étaient émises en 1776 avant la révolution française de 1789. Le Sénégal se doit d’être fier d’un de ses plus illustres fils, Sileymaani Baal.»
«فإن مت فانظروا إماما عادلا زاهدا ورعا لا يجمع الدنيا لنفسه ولا لعقبه»
«voilà un homme d’une contrée presque sauvage, qui donne une leçon d’humanité à d’autres peuples policés, en défendant dans tous ses États la captivité et les vexations.»
«La conduite du roi actuel de l’Almaami (autrefois grand marabout), est plus intéressant pour l’humanité et prouve la fermeté du caractère mâle des Nègres lorsqu’ils ont acquis quelques lumières.»
« فليتعاهد العلماء على أنهم لا يرونني في معصية إلا و نهوني عنها، و ليتعاهد أهل الحل و العقد على أن أهل العلم إذا اتفقوا على شيء و أمورهم به أو نهوهم عنه أن يمتثلوا أو يجتنبوا»
The Fuuta-Tooro Revolution (1769–1776) represents one of the major turning points in African and world history. It led to the establishment of the Almaamiyat, a political system founded on principles of justice, freedom, Islamic governance, and human dignity. Parallel to the American, French, and Haitian revolutions, it highlights Africa’s contribution to universal thought on sovereignty and the right of peoples to self-determination.
The Fuuta-Tooro Revolution (1776) and the American Revolution (1776) took place almost simultaneously. Below is a comparison between George Washington and Ceerno Sileymaani Baal, two major historical figures.
| Criteria | George Washington (United States) | Ceerno Sileymaani Baal (Fuuta-Tooro) |
|---|---|---|
| Context and causes | Tyrannical rule, insecurity, heavy taxes and levies | Tyrannical rule, insecurity, muddu horma (taxation), slavery |
| Birth and death | 1732 – 1799 (died after serving two presidential terms) | Circa 1720 – 1776 (killed in combat) |
| Education | Left school at the age of 15 | Advanced training in Islamic sciences |
| Roles and positions | Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army (1775–1783), First President of the United States (1789–1797) | Commander of the army and leader of the Fuuta Revolution (1769–1776). He refused the position of Almaami |
| Victory milestones |
July 4, 1776: Declaration of Independence September 3, 1783: Recognition through the Treaty of Paris |
1776: Fall of the Denianke dynasty and establishment of the Almaamiyat. Abdoul Qaadir Kan elected Almaami |
| Legacy | Foundation of the United States, Constitution and rule of law, continued ownership of enslaved persons | Fuuta Confederation (seven provinces), Constitution and rule of law, abolition of slavery |
| Historical legacy | Washington, D.C. as the capital, monuments, universities, appearance on the one-dollar bill and the 25-cent coin, federal public holiday | A private high school in Guédiawaye (Senegal) bears his name |
Download Call for papers
Appel à communication (PDF)
The year 2026, with major events planned in April and November.
Locations: Fuuta-Tooro (Podor, Matam), Dakar,
and several African and European capitals.
Ce programme est porté par le Comité mémoriel de la Révolution du Fuuta-Tooro (COMREF), sous l’égide du Centre de recherche sur le patrimoine intellectuel africain Baajoordo.
Baajoordo – Research Center for African Intellectual Heritage
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.baajoordo.org
