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|b The history of Borneo was closely associated with the Sifawah dynasty, which had an important political role in the region of Chad basin from the 9th to the 19th century. The origin of the dynasty, according to historical accounts, goes back to the Yemeni, Saif bin Dhi Yazan al-Himyari. The records make it clear that the beginning of the Sifawah dynasty was in Kanem, which is located east of Lake Chad. Then, their State suddenly knew a powerful rise and reached its peak during the 13th century, especially under the reign of Sultan Dunma bin Salamah (12101248-). Then, from Jimi or Njimi, Kanem was spreading its power over many trade routes, especially after having controlled the oases of the Fezzan province (South of modern Libya). During this period, the Sifawah sultans aspired to extend their domination over the Borneo region, west of Lake Chad. However, after the death of the afore-mentioned Sultan, the region got in a state of chaos and political instability for two centuries, mainly due to the struggle of the Sifawah sultans with the Tubu nomadic tribes in the Tibesti area (northeast of Kanem). During this dark phase, certain groups of Kanem began to infiltrate and migrate towards Borneo. At the same time, a newly competitive power, known as the Bulala dynasty, rose in Kanem, and precipitated the final departure of the Sifawah family to Borneo during the days of Sultan Omar Ibn Idriss (1382- 1387). Until the rise of Sultan Ali bin Dunamah (1465- 9714 AD), which put an end to this turbulent phase, we note the beginning of the reign of Sifawah in Borneo, where they established a state on the western side of the Basin of Chad Lake. This, indeed, lasted until the end of the 18th century.
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