Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 701: Chapter 325: The Death of the Caliph (Part 3)

The poor official, who believed he could save the country, ultimately lost his life before he could even say a few words.

Why are the armies of these States so decisive?

The main reason is that they are aware of the cruelty and selfishness of the Sokoto Caliphate, particularly of Omar Ben Ali himself.

Although he inherited the title of Caliph for only four years, Omar Ben Ali has already shown a rather tyrannical and brutal side.

Originally, the tribute of the Southern States was not that high, and people’s lives were manageable, without major conflicts with the Caliphate government.

With Omar Ben Ali becoming the new Caliph, the previously stable situation faced tremendous changes.

In his first year as Caliph, Omar Ben Ali expanded the Guard Army from the original five thousand to eight thousand, equipping them all with firearms.

Whether it was expanding the army or equipping them with firearms, both were tremendous expenses for the Caliphate government. Where did the money come from? Omar Ben Ali certainly did not want it to come from his own pocket.

He chose to let these relatively wealthy Southern States bear the military expenses, through constantly increasing their tribute.

In just four years, the tribute of these Southern States nearly doubled. Originally, the indigenous people of these Southern States lived the best, not necessarily wealthy, but at least able to fill their stomachs.

But as the tribute to the Caliphate grew higher, the State governments had no choice but to increase taxes on the indigenous people.

This led to a sharp decline in the living standards of the indigenous people from the Southern States, with a considerable number now unable to fill their stomachs.

It should be known that the Sokoto Caliphate, besides having nearly ten million people, also had over a million non-Muslim slaves.

Just relying on the labor of these over one million slave population provided large quantities of food and income annually. Coupled with trade with European Countries, the overall living standards of the Sokoto Caliphate’s citizens surpassed those of surrounding other African indigenous countries by a significant margin.

In such a situation, the originally somewhat affluent Southern States experiencing food scarcity is enough to demonstrate how harsh the exploitation by Omar Ben Ali was.

Now having rebelled against the Caliphate, these Southern States’ Emirs have long been prepared.

If the Spaniards are somewhat credible, then the Caliphate government’s words are entirely untrustworthy.

Even if the terms offered by the Caliphate government are honored now, after the war ends, these States and their rulers who once rebelled against the Caliphate will certainly face retribution.

In that case, it would be better to rebel boldly.

If the Spaniards keep their word, they could continue existing among Spain’s colonies as a protectorate.

Even in the future, as the Sokoto Caliphate falls, these Southern States might hope to expand in size, and in turn divide the territory of the Sokoto Caliphate.

On the other side, Omar Ben Ali, upon hearing that the envoy he sent had been killed before even having a chance to present his terms, went from smiling to being stunned.

He did not anticipate such resolute resistance from these States, giving no opportunity for his envoy to speak.

Now, with the armies of these Southern States rushing into the capital, if he cannot resolve the situation before the Spanish Army also enters the city, the war will basically be over.

“Is there anyone who has a way to save the current situation?” Omar Ben Ali, with a hint of pleading in his eyes, looked at the silent and head-lowered officials.

Clearly, the officials of the Caliphate government could not think of a way to save the situation at this moment.

The reinforcements from the Northern States would take a long time to arrive, and seeking help from European Countries would take even longer, clearly these approaches were too slow to address the urgent crisis.

The only immediate solution, the armies of the Southern States, were unwilling to assist the Caliphate, what did this mean? It meant that the Caliphate government, which was once revered as supreme in their eyes, had now become the subject of universal disdain.

Seeing the officials completely silent, Omar Ben Ali realized that the situation was irreversibly lost.

He fell silent, his gaze suddenly became calm, after glancing at all the officials, he said word by word: “Since none of you have any way to save the situation, it’s better to surrender to the Spaniards.

Hope the Spaniards are civilized enough to let you continue living. As for me, the great Caliph of Sokoto, I will perish with my country.

May Allah bless you, and may the people of Sokoto be spared the scourges of war!”

After saying this, Omar Ben Ali returned to his Royal Palace with a calm expression, where he had his personal handgun.

This handgun, originally just a decoration, now had a purpose, to allow the Caliph to end his life with dignity.

Hearing the Caliph’s final farewell, the officials present expressed a hint of emotion in their eyes, some had their throats move slightly, but said nothing.

Clearly, in this moment of life and death, they too were panicked. Though some wanted to save the Caliph, what could they do?

Aside from praying that the Spaniards would not indiscriminately kill innocent people once entering the city, could they still hope that the Spaniards would spare them and the Caliph?

Clearly, that was impossible. Although Europeans claim to be civilized, their colonialism has always been cruel and bloody.

Forgetting about sparing the Caliph and these officials, it would already be considered merciful if the Spaniards kill fewer Sokoto people.