The Mauritanian Basin and Coast The Beydani Tribes 38 and killed thirty-one of them, the Zahra, and seized all their camels. The death of Sheikh Ibn Ahmad Arshak in 1905 resulted in rivalries between his descendants and those of the elder branch, but leadership fell to Al-Qull, son of the Sheikh {10}. However, the grandsons of Sidi Muhammad, represented by Daqn bin Muhammad, formed the opposition. The conflict ended with the death of the Sheikh, who had actually attempted to assassinate the Sheikh when he was tribal chief. Al-Qull avenged his father, simultaneously eliminating his rival, Daqash, who left only one son born after his death, who took his father's name according to tradition. Thus, Al-Qull bin Al-Sheikh became tribal chief, and we will speak of him later. Over time, the members of the Ahl Borda tribe turned to religious devotion. Today, they are not considered pure marabouts but rather zawiyas, albeit of a special kind, as they do not hesitate to defend themselves with weapons. They are allies of a group that symbolizes the masses, and they became famous. Following the disintegration of Awlad Daud, the Ahl Borda moved towards Laafa and settled there. However, the numerous herds of cattle they owned forced them into a nomadic life, covering great distances for their sustenance. They visit Afakibeen every year, and for this reason, in 1897, they approached the French forts and requested peace, as their path could be cut off at the water source, preventing them from reaching Afakibeen. On April 15, 1897, the tribal chief Al-Qull (Sidi Muhammad) bin Al-Sheikh [Ibn Ahmad] bin Arshak, whose sheikhdom prevented his father from any movement, concluded the following treaty with Commander GOLSCHEN in Timbuktu: (1) The nomadic Ahl Borda are permitted to reside in the northern part of Afakibeen during the summer, and to graze their herds there from the water source to Benkur. In the absence of the chiefs, the French authorities will be in charge. (2) The tribe shall inform the commander of the Ras el Ma region in advance of their arrival in French territory and their departure from the lake each year. (3) During their stay in French territory, the Ahl Borda shall have the right to the protection of French arms and their various means against anyone who wishes to insult or rob them. (4) In return, they pledge to cease all relations with tribes hostile to us at any time of the year, to assist us against them, and to provide all information we request. (5) They pledge to pay an annual protection fee of 300 sheep and to provide us with the necessary guides and means of transport in exchange for partial rent.