He was perhaps the last Sultan to maintain a measure of true independence from European control. He did consult with European "advisors" who had immense influence but he was still the central figure they wrestled to control. He crossed wits with diplomats from Britain, America, Germany, France and Portugal and was often able to play one country off another in a skillful endgame of pre-colonial chess.
Pengine alikuwa Sultan wa mwisho kuweka kipimo cha uhuru wa kweli dhidi ya udhibiti wa Wazungu. Alishauriana na "Washauri" kadhaa wa kizungu ambao walikuwa na ushawishi mkubwa, lakini alibaki kuwa mtu imara waliyepambana naye kumdhibiti alipambana na wanadiplomasia kutoka Uingereza, America, Ujerumani, Ufaransa na Ureno na mara kwa mara aliweza kuiangusha kitaalau nchi moja baada ya nyengine katika kinyang'anyiro cha kabla ya Ukoloni.