Kurukan Fuga

the name of this document takes its name from the city in which it was conceived. It is also known by the name Manden

FUNCTION

The empire of Mali, through one of the most significant acts of its foundation, has drawn up its own constitution to regulate all the social aspects of the Mandingo empire through the “Kurukan Fuga Charter”

HISTORY

After the battle of Kirina in which Soundiata Keita won against Soumaoro Kante. After this battle, before appointing the emperor, the representatives of the tribes who later constituted the twelve provinces of the empire made a constituent assembly. The women attended with their representatives

ACTIONS

The first act of the assembly of the Kurikan Fuga was the oath of allegiance of twelve provincial leaders to Soudiata Keita who from that moment was proclaimed emperor of Mandinghi. After this announcement, discussions were opened to adopt the constitution of the empire of Mali. One of the greatest empires in history had just been born

WHAT IS THAT

The Kurukan Fuga established the fundamental laws for a harmonious coexistence and to govern the life of the great Mandingo people concerning all aspects of life. It is also about the organization of society and the division of labor

SEVEN STATEMENTS

The Mandingo charter has been recognized as one of the earliest examples of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights addressing the four corners of the world with seven affirmations: 1) every life is a life; 2) a wrong requires redress; 3) help each other; 4) watch over the homeland; 5) fight servitude and fame; 6) that the torments of war cease; 7) anyone is free to say, do and see

FIVE ITEMS

Article 9: the education of the minor is the responsibility of the whole society

Article 14: Women never, our mothers

Article 16: Women in addition to their daily occupations, must be at all our governments

Article 24: Do not wrong the foreigner

Article 30: We come to the aid of those in need

CONCLUSION

This card dates back to the 13th century and survived with the oral transmission to the dua draft in 1960 thanks to Youssouf Tata Cissé. Since 2009 it has been registered on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity