Define sectionalism. (In your own words)

Sectionalism is the expression of loyalty or support for a particular region of one's country, rather than to the country as a whole. In contrast to simple feelings of local pride, sectionalism arises from deeper cultural, economic, or political differences and can lead to violent civil strife, including insurrection. I actually got this offline but if you read it and change around the words and put it in your own words it would help

Identify and explain two specific cultural or political influences that islamic merchants had on sub-saharan africa.