MỌ̀JÀMỌ̀SÁ, YORÙBÁ FORM OF GUERRILLA TACTICS
The Mọ̀jàmọ̀sá war tactics were a brilliant example of guerrilla warfare employed by the Yorùbá people during the 19th century. These tactics were deployed during the Kiriji War (1877-1893) and other wars prior to it. It was instrumental in the Yorùbá’s resistance against the invading forces and their efforts to maintain autonomy. In fact, the word “Mọ̀jàmọ̀sá” literally means know-when-to-fight-and-when-to-run. These are the common feature of the tactics:
Mobile Warfare: Mọ̀jàmọ̀sá tactics relied heavily on mobility and agility. Yorùbá fighters would move swiftly through forests, marshes, and difficult terrains, making it challenging for the larger, more structured armies of the opposing forces to engage them effectively.
Hit-and-Run Attacks: Yorùbá guerrilla fighters would conduct surprise attacks on enemy camps, supply lines, and patrols. These hit-and-run tactics allowed them to inflict damage and gather supplies without engaging in prolonged battles, minimizing casualties and conserving resources.
Knowledge of Terrain: The Yorùbá fighters had an intimate knowledge of the local terrain, which they used to their advantage. They would use natural features like dense vegetation, hills, and rivers to hide, ambush, and retreat swiftly, frustrating their opponents’ attempts to track them.
Scorched Earth Tactics: In some instances, the Yorùbá would employ scorched earth tactics, destroying or denying access to resources such as food, water, and shelter to enemy forces. This not only weakened the enemy but also forced them to spread their supply lines thin.
Small Unit Operations: Mọ̀jàmọ̀sá tactics relied on small, highly trained units that could operate independently. This decentralized command structure made it harder for the enemy to target high-value leaders or disrupt overall operations with a single blow.
Psychological Warfare: Guerrilla tactics also included psychological warfare, such as spreading rumors, intimidating enemy soldiers through stealthy attacks, and showcasing symbolic acts of resistance to boost morale among Yorùbá fighters and civilians.
Adaptability: Yorùbá fighters adapted their tactics based on the evolving situation. They could switch between conventional warfare (when advantageous) and guerrilla tactics seamlessly, keeping the enemy off balance and unable to predict their movements.
Mọ̀jàmọ̀sá war tactics exemplified the Yorùbá people’s resilience, strategic thinking, and ability to leverage their knowledge of the local environment to effectively resist superior enemy forces during a tumultuous period in their history.
