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.
Anexând strategic oraşul Timbuktu şi restabilind puterea asupra oraşului Gao, el a obţinut controlul asupra unor rute comerciale importante dintre coasta mediteraneană şi cea a Africii de Vest, continuând o perioadă de expansiune ce a mărit enorm teritoriul Maliului.