By strategically annexing  the city of Timbuktu, and reestablishing power  over the city of Gao, he gained control  over important trade routes between the Mediterranean  and the West African Coast, continuing a period of expansion, which dramatically increased Mali's size.
Bi standina bajarê bazirganiye Timbuktu, û destkeftina bajarê Gao, rêyên bazirganiyê yê di navbera Deryaya Spî û Afrîka de kontrol kir. Bi serkeftinên wî Malî pir mezin bû.