Final answer:
Following Mansa Musa's death in 1337, the Mali Empire began to decline due to weak rulers and external pressures, leading to the independence of provinces and the rise of the Songhay Empire in the mid-14th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mali Empire, like many historical empires, relied heavily on the strength and capabilities of its leader, known as the mansa. After the death of Mansa Musa in 1337, the empire saw a period of decline with a succession of weak and unpopular rulers. The empire's stability wavered, and over time, provinces began to seek independence as the central power weakened. This led to the eventual rise of the Songhay Empire in the mid-14th century which took over as the prominent power in West Africa.
During the late 14th century, with internal turmoil and external pressures from the Mossi and Tuareg peoples, the Mali Empire struggled to maintain control of its territories. By the 1430s, important cities like Timbuktu and trading centers such as Gao had asserted their independence. The once-flourishing Malian trade routes also started to diminish in importance as control waned.
The rich history of the Mali Empire, especially during the reign of Mansa Musa, is notable for its vast wealth and the ruler's remarkable pilgrimage to Mecca. However, following Mansa Musa's time, the empire could not keep its grip over its vast territories, and it paved the way for the Songhai Empire to emerge as the new power in the region. The geopolitical landscape of West Africa shifted significantly with the fall of Mali and the ascent of Songhai.