Africa latest
The country is the world's largest exporter of cocoa beans , and the fourth-largest exporter of goods, in general, in sub-Saharan Africa following South Africa, Nigeria, and Angola. Throughout the early years of French rule, French military contingents were sent inland to establish new posts. Samori Ture's large, well-equipped army, which could manufacture and repair its own firearms , attracted some support throughout the region from chiefs who sought to play the two sides off against each other. The arrangement was not entirely satisfactory to the French, because trade was limited and misunderstandings over treaty obligations often arose.