Function
The Gbara was made up of 32 members from around 29 mostly Mandinka clans. Members of these clans had aided Sundiata in his overthrow of Soumaoro Kante and were given a voice in the government of the new Manden Federation or Manden Kurufa. The descendants of these clans occupied post in the Gbara and checked the emperor's (mansa's) power. It was presided over by a belen-tigui (master of ceremonies) who recognized anyone who wanted to speak including the mansa.
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