How might west Africans history have been different if the invaders who conquered songhai had not had firearms?

If the invaders who conquered Songhai had not possessed firearms, West African history might have unfolded differently, potentially allowing the Songhai Empire to maintain its power and influence for a longer period. The absence of advanced weaponry could have emboldened local resistance and led to a more protracted conflict, enabling the empire to mobilize its vast resources and manpower more effectively. This might have resulted in the preservation of cultural and economic stability in the region, as well as a delay in the spread of European colonial influence in West Africa. Ultimately, the dynamics of power, trade, and cultural exchange in the region could have evolved in distinct ways.