Why did Sunni Ali determine that capturing Timbuktu was important for the growth of his empire?

Sunni Ali recognized that capturing Timbuktu was crucial for the expansion of his empire, the Songhai Empire, due to its strategic location as a major center of trade and scholarship in West Africa. By controlling Timbuktu, he could dominate the lucrative trans-Saharan trade routes, particularly in gold and salt, thereby increasing his empire's wealth and influence. Additionally, seizing the city allowed him to assert political power and legitimacy, consolidating his rule over the diverse cultures and populations within the region. This military conquest also helped to enhance the prestige of the Songhai Empire on a broader stage.