Douentza is the leading town in the historic
region of Haayre (or Hayre), a Fulbe led kingdom dating to the 19th
century. Its name ("Haayre" meaning "rocky place")
describes the rocky outcrops which dominate many areas near Douentza, and have
provided defense for the locals against raiders and invaders throughout their
history.From at least the 17th century CE, villages in the area were fought
over by Tuareg and Fulbe groups before the
