In recent games, whenever I meet Mali and try to vassalize him, the reason he gives for refusal is "Sorry, its out of our hands" or something like that. Why is he doing that, and how can I make him my vassal?

Thanks in advance,

It could mean he's already someone else's vassal.

wouldn't that show up on the foreign advisor screen?

if ya put ya curser over his name on the scoreboard it will say if he is or not.

It also could mean you or him are already engaged in another war.

Ooo, yeah I forgot about that, thanks mate :)

They can become vassals if at war with someone else. I'm always tricked in unwanted wars in that way...

This has always bugged me in civ4. I never understand it... Even when you and the other civ are at peace with everyone, this can still come up.