Ségou

Ségou or Segu is a city in Mali, lying northeast of Bamako on the River Niger. it was founded in 1620 on a site about 10 kilometres from the present town.

The city prospered after Biton Mamary Coulibaly became king in 1712 and founded the Ségou (or Bamana) Empire. The empire gradually declined and was conquered by El Hadj Omar in 1861, then by the French Army in 1892.

Today, Ségou is known for its pottery, its market and its fishing industry. Attraction in the old town of Ségou-Koro included a mosque, Coulibaly's tomb and an ancient tree. In the city centre, the main landmark is the water tower.

Notable people from Ségou include Fanta Damba.