Ludvonga II vs Mai of Borno

Ludvonga II was designated as the crown prince and heir to the Swazi throne by his father King Mswati II. As the designated successor, he underwent traditional training and was prepared to assume leadership of the Swazi nation upon his father's death.

Ludvonga II died in 1874 before he could be formally crowned as King of Swaziland. His death occurred during a period of political tension, with some accounts suggesting poisoning. His passing created a succession crisis that led to the rise of King Mbandzeni.

Ludvonga's death without being crowned triggered a power struggle among Swazi royal factions. The conflict involved competing claims from different royal houses and required intervention by senior chiefs to resolve, ultimately leading to Mbandzeni's accession.

The Mai became the traditional ruler of the Bornu Empire, a Kanuri state in the Lake Chad region. His reign occurred during the empire's decline, facing pressure from the Fulani jihad and internal rebellions.

The Mai's army was defeated by Fulani jihadists at the Battle of Ngala, leading to the loss of western Bornu territories. This defeat weakened the empire's control over trade routes and reduced its political influence.

The Mai signed a commercial treaty with the British Empire, granting trading rights in Bornu. This agreement aimed to counter the Fulani threat by securing European support, but it also increased British influence in the region.