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Committee Summary
Empires often face internal and external pressures that put power and stability at risk. Such was the case for the wealthy and prosperous Mali Empire in West Africa. At its peak, the empire was one of the largest of its time and a hub for economic and intellectual activity, with its ruler, Mansa Musa, considered the richest man in history. Still, the Mali Empire was not immune to the various factors that eventually led to its fall.
This committee takes place in 1338, soon after Mansa Musa’s death and his son, Mansa Maghan’s, ascension to the throne. This succession was controversial, with powerful figures such as Mansa Musa’s brother, Sulayman, contesting Maghan’s claim as the rightful heir.
Representing figures like nobles, scholars, advisors, and leaders, delegates must navigate internal issues such as the succession struggles following Mansa Musa’s death, ploys for coups, and tribal uprisings. Meanwhile, external threats such as competing trade networks and invasions from neighboring empires must also be addressed. However, the fallout from these issues and the subsequent demise of the empire is not the destined outcome for the Mali Empire at BruinMUN. Ultimately, creative solutions, collaboration, and innovation give delegates the opportunity to rewrite history and prevent the Mali Empire’s collapse—or perhaps take advantage of its weakened state for their personal gain.
MEET THE CHAIR
OLIVIA DUGDALE
Hey, Lovely Delegates!
I am so excited to be your Chair this year at BruinMUN. This is my first time chairing, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m originally from Tennessee, but am loving California and my LA experience. I’m a second-year majoring in Linguistics and English so if you need someone to nerd out about language or literature with, I’m your girl. Outside of classes, I love MUN at UCLA and am a member of Phi Alpha Delta. My current shows right now are The Sopranos and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (it's so messy!).
While I didn’t participate in MUN in high school, I love all things government and international relations. Debating things like human rights or if Lorde should be the next Pope in a historical conclave committee has truly made my college experience so amazing and I can’t wait to continue my MUN journey. I love crises because of all the endless possibilities; I hope y’all love the excitement and fast-paced nature just as much as the Crisis Director and I do! Even if crisis isn’t necessarily your favorite, I hope we can give y’all all fun memories and some great experiences at BruinMUN.
I am really stoked to see y’all debate such an interesting topic. The fall begins with a succession crisis. After Mansa Musa’s death, there is not a clear or uncontroversial heir. Mansa Magha temporarily ruled the empire while waiting for his father to return from religious pilgrimage, but from there, chaos ensues. Because there's so many different factions fighting for superiority, aspects of religion and economics at play, and warfare, there are many directions this committee can go. We want critical historical examination of all the aspects involved in the fall of the Mali Empire, but we also want creative, and if appropriate, fun solutions to the problems that the Mali Empire faced and the problems you will face in committee.
The Crisis Director and I want to also emphasize diplomacy, collaboration, and ultimately, kindness to all. I see everything that goes down in frontroom, so make sure to prioritize being an empathetic person while also being a competitive delegate; it goes a long way. We are all super excited to see what y’all come up with and bring to the Fall of the Mali Empire and BruinMUN 34!
Please contact me with any questions and look forward to meeting y’all in November,
Olivia Dugdale | Chair, Fall of the Mali Empire | BruinMUN 34
MEET THE CRISIS DIRECTOR
LILY MESKEL
Hello, Delegates,
My name is Lily Meskel, and I am delighted to be your Crisis Director for Fall of the Mali Empire at BruinMUN 34! I am a second-year Political Science and History major from Tustin, California. Besides MUN, I am a member of Gamma Phi Beta, a physical media enthusiast, and an avid Letterboxd user (ask me about my four favorites). I also love reading, discovering and recommending music, thrifting more clothes than space in my dorm closet permits, and watching A Cook’s Tour.
In high school, I was heavily involved in Model UN. My time as a delegate took me to conferences as far as Prague, Czechia, as well as throughout the SoCal circuit. I was also one of the co-Secretaries General of my high school’s conference, which made me fall in love with the behind-the-scenes aspect of hosting a MUN conference. During those four years, I was generally a GA delegate until I competed in a President Grant’s Cabinet crisis committee in my senior year. Even while I was getting impeached as Edwards Pierrepont, I knew that crisis was for me and never looked back. I hope that, whether this is your first crisis committee or your fifth, you will find it similarly rewarding. At UCLA, I have staffed both BruinMUN and our collegiate conference, LAMUN, while also competing on our travel team as a crisis delegate! Model UN at UCLA has truly been the highlight of my college experience so far. It is through this club that I have met some of my closest friends and even my current roommates! I have enjoyed staffing in particular since it allows me to hear so many creative solutions and perspectives about a historical topic I find interesting, and that I hope you will as well!
This committee will focus on the various factors that led to the collapse of the Mali Empire, and give you the opportunity to prevent this collapse from occurring. As we examine and debate issues like royal succession, potential civil war, and the rise of opposing empires, it is essential that you represent the interests of your specific allocation, while also emphasizing diplomacy and collaboration. As Crisis Director, I hope to see creative and unique backroom arcs that impact the committee. Being the largest empire in West Africa at its peak, the Mali Empire was rich in both gold and history, meaning there is plenty for you to research and debate over the course of the weekend. I can’t wait to see what solutions you all come up with!
Please contact me with any questions, and I look forward to meeting you all!
See you in November,
Lily Meskel | Crisis Director, Fall of the Mali Empire | BruinMUN 34