Ali III Walamma

Ali III Walamma
Mai of the Kanem–Bornu Empire
Reign17th century (35–40 years)
c. 1645–1680
PredecessorBiri V or Umar III al-Maqdisi
SuccessorIdris V
Diedc. 1680
Ngazargamu, Bornu
IssueIdris V
Dunama VII Martemarambi
DynastySayfawa dynasty
FatherUmar III al-Maqdisi

al-Ḥājj Ali III (ʿAlī bin ʿUmar), called Ali Walamma and various other names, was mai (ruler) of the Kanem–Bornu Empire in the mid-to-late 17th century, ruling approximately 1645–1680. Ali's reign saw conflict both within and outside the empire, in particular against the Sultanate of Agadez, and several famines, perhaps due to the strife experienced in the empire. Despite these challenges, Ali is remembered as a valiant and intelligent ruler.