Paoskoto (often Paoscoto or Paos Koto) is a village and rural commune in Paoskoto Arrondissement in the Nioro du Rip Department of the Kaolack Region of Senegal, located near the border with the Gambia.

Paoskoto
Rural commune and village
Paoskoto is located in Senegal
Paoskoto
Paoskoto
Coordinates: 13°47′N 15°49′W / 13.783°N 15.817°W / 13.783; -15.817
Country Senegal
RegionKaffrine Region
DepartmentNioro du Rip Department
ArrondissementPaoskoto Arrondissement
Population
 • Total43,460
Time zoneUTC+0 (GMT)

History edit

On 30 November 1865, Maba Diakhou Bâ battled against Émile Pinet-Laprade at the Battle of Paoskoto, in a notable historical battle between the valiant soldiers of the Nioro Du Rip Kingdom against the French colonizers. The battle was a humiliating defeat for the french as they were ambushed and suffered considerable losses compared to the other side. the french colonizers, led by Émile Pinet-Laprade, then retreated to Djoloff to regroup. This epic battle is largely celebrated even today in Senegal.

Geography edit

The nearest localities are Keur Oumar Tounkara, Dafar, Keur Gaye Hamdalaye, Mbiteyene, Tayyiba Niassène, Keur bidja Uri Keur Ali Gueye, Nioro du Rip and Diamaguene.

Demographics edit

According to PEPAM (Programme d'eau potable et d'assainissement du Millénaire) the rural commune of Paoskoto has a population 43,460 and 4,061 households. The population of the village of Paoskoto amounts to 2,411 inhabitants in 225 households. The Wolof and Fulani tribes form the majority.

Bibliography edit

  • (in French) A. K. Mbaye, L’épopée de Maba Diakhou Ba du Rip, mémoire de maîtrise, Dakar, Faculté des Lettres et Sciences humaines, Département de Lettres modernes, 1996
  • (in French) Kélétigui S. Keita, Maba Diakhou Ba dans le Rip et le Saloum (1861-1867), Dakar, Université de Dakar, 1970, 165 p. (Mémoire de Maîtrise)

External links edit