1. The Bambara Resistance (1818-1861): Led by leaders such as Mansa Segu and Babemba, the Bambara people fought against French attempts to control the Senegal River region. They engaged in guerrilla warfare and fierce battles against the French forces.
2. The El Hadj Umar Tall's Jihad: In the mid-1800s, the Islamic leader El Hadj Umar Tall launched a jihad against French colonization in West Africa. He established a large Toucouleur Empire and fought against the French forces, particularly in regions like Senegal and present-day Mali.
3. The Battle of Isandlwana (1879): During the Anglo-Zulu War, the Zulu nation under King Cetshwayo inflicted a severe defeat on British forces at the Battle of Isandlwana. Although not directly related to French colonization, this battle showed African resistance against European imperialism in southern Africa.
4. Samori Ture's Resistance: Samori Ture was a powerful ruler of the Wassoulou Empire in West Africa. He fiercely opposed French expansionism and led successful campaigns against French troops. His resistance lasted several decades until he was captured by the French in 1898.
5. Abushiri ibn Salim al-Harthi's Rebellion: In present-day Tanzania, Abushiri ibn Salim al-Harthi led a large-scale rebellion against German colonization, which had close ties to French colonial activities in the region. The rebellion began in 1888 and lasted several years, with Abushiri's forces gaining control over several coastal regions.
These examples illustrate that while the French encountered stiff resistance from various African groups, they ultimately succeeded in establishing colonial control over much of Africa. However, the resistance movements demonstrated the resilience and determination of African societies to defend their independence and sovereignty against European colonization.