Possible Clues:

• W. African country
• Saharan land
• 22 across (anag) — northwest African river
• Monarch almost reversed corrupt reign in this country
• In backing European nation, few suggested African country
• Troops have spirits raised, here in Africa
• African state
• Where Hausa and Djerma are spoken
• Monarch almost overthrown to create republic
• A troubled reign in West Africa