The Origin of the Mandingo People in Liberia. The Mandingo people, also known as Mandinka or Malinke, are part of the larger Mandé ethnic group that originates from West Africa. Their historical roots trace back to the ancient Mali Empire, which thrived from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Over time, the Mandingos migrated across West Africa, including present-day Liberia, seeking new opportunities for trade and settlement.In Liberia, the Mandingo people primarily settled in the northern and cen