The Portudal–Joal Massacre took place in 1589. It was the murder and expulsion of English traders from Portudal and Joal in modern day Senegal.
Background
In the late 16th century, the English began to challenge the Portuguese over trade routes in West Africa. At this time, Portugal had already established monopoly on trade along the coasts of the Senegal River, Gambia, and the Cape Verde islands. English merchants, encouraged by their government, sought to establish a foothold in the trade. Though they tried working with treaties and diplomatic agreements, there was still a growing tension by the English, as well as the French, to gain influence over the Portuguese controlled regions.[1]
In 1589, Elizabeth I granted a trading monopoly to a group of English merchants, allowing them to trade with around the Senegal and Gambia rivers. However, their arrival in West Africa was met with violence from both the Portuguese and local forces.[1]
Massacre
In 1589, English traders arrived at already Portudal and Joal. Initially, the traders sought to trade in peace, but the Portuguese met them with violence. Through manipulation and false reports, the Portuguese convinced the local forces that the English were dangerous interlopers.[1][2]
As a result, an ambush was organized against the English, killing 40 traders.[1]
Aftermath
After the massacre, the English left the river alone, returning home to report that it was "a river of secret trade and riches concealed by the Portugals".[1][2]
