Why was there continuous political instability in West Africa between 1500 and 1700?

Answer:- There were a number of factors that contributed to the continuous political instability in West Africa between 1500 and 1700. These include:

• The rise of the trans-Saharan trade in gold and salt, which led to increased competition between states for control of trade routes.
• The arrival of European traders in the region, who introduced new weapons and technologies that gave them an advantage over local rulers.
• The spread of Islam, which led to religious conflict between Muslims and non-Muslims.
• The growth of population, which put pressure on resources and led to increased competition for land.
• The impact of climate change, which led to droughts and famines that destabilized the region.