Diakhao (Serer proper : Jaxaaw[2]) is a small town and commune in the Fatick Region in the west of Senegal.

Diakhao
Town and commune
Diakhao is located in Senegal
Diakhao
Diakhao
Location in Senegal
Coordinates: 14°27′44″N 16°17′25″W / 14.46209°N 16.29039°W / 14.46209; -16.29039
Country Senegal
RegionFatick Region
DepartmentFatick Department
Area
 • Town and commune
11.71 km2 (4.52 sq mi)
Population
 (2023 census)[1]
 • Town and commune
5,590
 • Density480/km2 (1,200/sq mi)

History

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Diakhao was the last capital of the pre-colonial Serer Kingdom of Sine.[3] It has several sites classified as historical monuments.[4] It houses the tombs of the Serer kings such as Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof (king of Sine), the tombs of the Guelowars, the Lingeers and the Kanger (or Kangeer) baobab, a place of libation of the kings of Sine (Maad a Sinig).

In 1867 at the Surprise of Mbin o Ngor (a surprise attack against the Serers by the Muslim marabout which precipitated the Battle of Fandane-Thiouthioune), Diakhao was burned to the ground by the marabouts. To rebuild his capital (Diakhao), Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak implemented new tax measures throughout the Sine. Although Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak had no problem collecting taxes in other areas of Sine, he failed in Joal, one of the principalities of Sine occupied by the French administration. For years he tried to exercise his authority in Joal. In August 1871, he went to Joal to deal with the French and exercise his authority in the area. He was assassinated.[5][6][7]

Administration

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Diakhao is a rural commune in the Department of Fatick (in Fatick Region).[8]

Geography

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The closest localities are Soror, Gadoguene, Ndidor, Tela, Maronem, Ngekor, Ndofene, Ndofane and Ndielem Farha.

Population

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Diakhao, which is inhabited by the Serer people is one of the Serer countries.[9][10] According to PEPAM (Programme d'eau potable et d'assainissement du Millénaire), the estimated population is 3429.[11]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Citypopulation.de Population and area of Diakhao Commune
  2. ^ (in French) Gravrand, Henry, "La Civilisation Sereer - Cosaan", Nouvelles Editions africaines (1983), p 202, ISBN 2-7236-0877-8
  3. ^ (in English) Sheridan, Michael J., Nyamweru, Celia, " African sacred groves: ecological dynamics & social change", James Currey (2008), p 141, ISBN 0-8214-1789-4
  4. ^ Arrêté du 27 mars 2003 Senegal Ministry of Culture Archived February 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  5. ^ (in French) Sarr, Alioune, "Histoire du Sine-Saloum (Sénégal)." Introduction, bibliographie et notes par Charles Becker. Version légèrement remaniée par rapport à celle qui est parue en 1986-87. pp 37-39
  6. ^ (in English) Klein, Martin A., "Islam and Imperialism in Senegal, Sine-Saloum 1847–1914", Edinburgh University Press (1968), pp 56-106, ISBN 0-85224-029-5
  7. ^ (in French) "L'epopee de Sanmoon Fay", Ethiopiques n°54 revue semestrielle de culture négro-africaine Nouvelle série volume 7 2e semestre (1991)
  8. ^ (in English) Colvin, Lucie Gallistel, "The Uprooted of the western Sahel: migrants' quest for cash in the Senegambia", Praeger (1981),pp 149-155
  9. ^ (in English) Colvin, Lucie Gallistel, "The Uprooted of the western Sahel: migrants' quest for cash in the Senegambia" Praeger (1981), pp 151-156
  10. ^ (in French) RÉPUBLIQUE DU SÉNÉGAL
  11. ^ (in French) Diakhao (in) PEPAM Archived 2016-03-30 at the Wayback Machine
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14°28′N 16°18′W / 14.467°N 16.300°W / 14.467; -16.300