Why was Kanem-Bornu powerful in the late 16th century?

In the late 16th century, the Kanem-Bornu empire experienced a period of significant consolidation and expansion, largely due to the leadership of its able rulers, most notably Idris Alawma (reigned c. 1571–1603).1

The empire's power during this era was driven by several key factors:

• Military Innovation: Through established trading relations with the Ottoman Turks in North Africa, the state acquired firearms. These weapons, combined with the use of Muslim cavalry, provided a decisive military advantage.2
• Administrative Reform: Idris Alawma utilized these military strengths to impose a Muslim bureaucracy upon his subjects, which helped stabilize and centralize control over the state.2
• Territorial Consolidation: These advancements enabled the empire to successfully reconquer Kanem and extend its influence across the region, solidifying its status as a dominant power in the central Sudan.12