Note 1 — Chapter IV · THE TOWNS OF THE NIGER

This is how our conquest has been organised:—The Sudan is divided into regions, the regions into circles, and these again into posts. The first are five in number. The government resides provisionally in the first region, that of Kayes (though logically the centre of the colony should be at Bammaku). Its circles are those of Nioro, Kita, Bafoulaba, and its posts, Selibaba and Gumbu. Other European centres are: Medina, Dinguirai, Dioubaba, and Badoumba. Second, the southern region. Centre: Bissandugu (ancient capital of Samory). Circles: Siguiri, Farannah, Erimakono, Kissidugu. Posts: Kankan, Beyla, Kerwana, Kuroussa. Third, the eastern region on the left bank of the river and to the right across the valley of the Niger. Centre: Bammaku. Circle: Bougouni. Posts: Koulikoro and Toulimandio. Fourth, the north-east region on both sides of the river. Centre: Segu. Circles: Jenne, Sokolo, Bandiagara. Posts: Mopti and Gourao on Lake Debo, headquarters of the flotilla. Fifth, the northern region comprising the lakes of the north valley. Centre: Timbuctoo. Circles: Gundam and Sarafara. Post: El Oual Hadj. A superior officer is at the head of each region; captains administer the circles; and officers of different grades command the posts.