Foday Kombo Sillah (Ibrahima Touray) Jihadist, nation builder
Although not much has been said or written about him, he has become a household name. From elementary school to university, his name is inscribed in the pages of our history books as one of those Muslim leaders who waged war against the Soninke kings of Kombo in order to convert them to Islam.
Through his revolutionary teachings and activities, his name has been inscribed in The Gambia's Book of Immortality. Today, it is certain that the history of Kombo, whether colorful or barbaric, could not be complete without its name. This man is none other than Ibrahima Touray de Gunjur better known under the name of Foday Kombo Sillah.
In this exploration to explore the legacy of Foday Kombo Sillah, we will expose the truth behind his success and downfall, his controversial family history, and the motivators behind his attack on the mighty and mighty Soninke kings who ruled and reigned over the land of Kombo.
Background
Kombo Sillah's lineage can be traced back to Guinea Conakry in a village called Jekedugu. It is from this village that his grandparents emigrated at the beginning of the 18th century in search of the treasures of life and adventure which led them to settle in the colony founded by the Soninkés of Gunjur. The man behind this exploration was Matora Touray. Unlike their Soninke counterparts, the Touray kinship was reputed to be renowned Islamic scholars (marabouts) and had been a hallmark in the teaching and dissemination of Islam.
According to family sources, Kombo Sillah was born in 1830. His father was Kebba Malleh Touray and his mother was Mbisine Njai. Her mother was said to have been a slave, her freedom was secured by Kebba Malleh, who later asked for her hand in marriage. They gave birth to several children including Ibrahma Touray (Kombo Sillah). After learning the elementary Quran internally, Ibrahima Touray traveled to Pakau Darsilameh to continue his Quranic education. It was here that he chose the names Foday Kombo Sillah.
According to sources, in Pakau at the time there were students named Ibrahima and to identify the students, their teacher gave each of them either their mother's name or their origin. Because Ibrahima Touray was from Kombo, he was given the name Kombo. Its prefix -Foday comes from the Mandinka word Fodeu.
It is an Islamic title equivalent to Sheikh; he was awarded the title after graduation due to his genius and mastery of the various schools of thought in Islam. And her last name -Sillah was probably the name of her tutor or lecturer in Pakau Darsilameh. After graduation, Kombo Sillah returned, but instead of joining his family in Gunjur, he settled in Kaanuma, a settlement on the outskirts of Gunjur. However, his family later sent him a delegation while he was in Ksanuma to persuade him to return and take the mantle of Muslim leadership.
Family controversy
Despite her remarkable achievements and strong intellectual position, the house was not a happy experience. Sources say Kombo Sillah comes from a very large extended family that has been engulfed in a struggle for supremacy. This strongly divided the Tourays to the point of almost bringing about the fall of the Redeemer of the Muslims. Sources have identified this internal family controversy of the death of the leader of Muslims - Kaba Touray which sparked a succession dispute. Kaba was the first Muslim leader to wage war on the Soninke in Kombo.
In 1855, he attacked the Soninke kingdom of Busumbala killing Mansa Suling Jaata and brought Jatta hegemony to his knees.
After his disappearance, the Muslim villages of Kombo held a series of meetings to choose a new emir (chief). The product of these meetings was the unanimous agreement that Kombo Sillah should become the new leader of the Muslims. He was never present at the meetings, however, as he was at the time engaged in teaching Islam in Kanuma. This decision of the Muslims did not materialize by the extended family of Tourays.
The direct children of Kaba Touray were convinced that they should succeed their father; they also argued that Kombo Sillah was descended from a slave mother who did not have royal blood and therefore did not have the right to rule. Several plots are now fomented against Kombo Sillah by the deceased of Kaba Touray; thus engulfing him in a battle for supremacy which continued until he passed into the land of silent jihadists.
Rise in power
It should be noted, however, that Kombo Sillah did not fight for the leadership of the Muslims, in fact he initially rejected the position but after repeated attempts he succumbed to the will of the people.