The state was organized as a single unit, divided into regional administrations. The feudal elements within them were weak. Power was in the hands of princes, or in the hands of governors or tribal leaders.

The administrative organization among the Sennar was simple. In the empire, there were vassal states that paid tribute and offered gifts, and assisted in campaigns against other states with men and money. These vassal states could raise the banner of rebellion whenever they felt the central authority weaken, or when a prince who was a rival to the ruler took power in one of them. The main provinces were divided into regions governed by rulers. These were often princes from the Askia family. Their brothers and cousins, and their authority over their fiefs depended on the ruler's satisfaction, and they were transferred from one fief to another.

This administrative organization was based on three levels. At the highest level, there were three great viceroys of the empire: the *Askia-men-fari*, or the Katagari, the viceroy of the northern regions, whose capital was Gao; the *Indi-fari*, the viceroy in the south; and the *Bagan-fari*, the viceroy in the northern regions adjacent to Mali. These three always enjoyed the full confidence of the emperor. Alongside them was the *Bama*, commander of the army (these names were written in Sudanese history as: Karmen-fari, Indifari, Baganfari, Bama, respectively). These four were the highest state officials. It can be considered that these four, if they united, could impose their will on the Askia. The space does not allow us to discuss the lower two levels.