Final answer:
Sundiata was indeed Mali's first great leader and became the sole mansa, or emperor, by unifying the Malinke people. His successors, including Mansa Musa, expanded the empire further, making it prosperous and culturally significant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about Sundiata, Mali's first great leader, is true. Sundiata Keita came to power by uniting the Malinke kingdoms through diplomacy and military prowess. He convinced other Malinke kings to cede their title, mansa, to him, becoming the sole mansa, both the religious and secular leader of the Malinke people. Under his rule, Mali became an extensive empire, with its capital at Niani, positioned strategically near the valuable goldfields of Bure.
Sundiata's empire was larger and richer than the earlier Ghana empire. While Mali was technically an Islamic state, its practices combined Islamic rituals with traditional African ceremonies. Sundiata significantly expanded Mali's territory, including important trading cities such as Gao, Jenne, and Walata. His successors, particularly Mansa Musa, continued to increase the wealth and size of the Mali Empire.