User:Megalibrarygirl/Ndate Yalla Mbodj

Ndate Yalla Mbodj (1810-1860) was the last lingeer, or queen, of the Waalo, which was a kingdom in what is now in northwest Senegal.

Biography
On October 1, 1846, Ndate Mbodj was crowned Queen of the Waalo, succeeding her sister, Njeumbeaut Mbodj. Mbodj developed the Waalo's "women's army as one of the most formidable forces to recon with in her reign."

Mbodj fought to keep the Waalo sovereign in their own lands. She was against French colonization of Senegal. In 1847, she prevented free passage of the Sarakolé on her land as well. When Moors started to "encroach on her territory," she also fought their intrusion.

Mbodj was defeated in a battle against the French colonialist army, led by Louis Faidherbe in 1855.

During her life and afterwards, Mbodj was a symbol of resistance against French colonialism.