Zabarma Emirate Of Ghana (1860-1897)

​ THE ZABARMA EMIRATE OF GHANA (1860-1897)

The Zabarma Emirate was an Islamic state that existed from the 1860s to 1897 in what is today parts of Northern Ghana and Burkina Faso. Although founded by the Zarma people, the Zabarma Emirate was a very heterogeneous entity in which the Zarma were actually only a minority. It was mainly Hausa , Fulani, Mossi and most importantly the Gurusi people who where their main allies and army men.

The name Gurunsi actually comes from the Zarma language “Guru-si”, meaning “iron does not penetrate”. It is said that during the Zarma conquest of Gurunsi lands in the late 19th century, the Zarma leader by the name of Baba Ato Zato (better known by the Hausa corruption of his name: Babatu) recruited a battalion of indigenous men for his army, who after having consumed traditional medicines, were said to be invulnerable to iron.

This was the genesis of the play and ethnic slavery jokes that exist between the Zarma and Gurusi of Ghana till this day.

Despite being a minority, the Zarma were able to secure the services of their followers of different origins, coupled with a rather long-lasting loyalty. 

The Emirs of the Zabarima Emirate are:

1. Hanno or Alfa Hanno dan Tadano

2. Gazari or Alfa Gazare dan Mahama

3. Babatu or Mahama dan Issa (Babatu in colonial literature )

Today, the descendants of the founders of the Zabarma Emirate, the Zarma people (Zabarma) live across the country of Ghana and according to atleast one source,  the current head of the Zarma in Ghana is a descendant of the Babatu.