Medieval, seriously? I don't think this is possible so early, even with GL.
Sounds like propaganda to me. I suggest Egypt give their honourable neighbours the Romans the 30 gold for setting the record straight!
The Songhai are a simple and disingenuous people and would never mislead their neighbors and friends! However, the Romans can choose to believe what they like, if they are not afraid of the threat of woodsmen longswordmen swarming from the Eastern forests, it is no concern of the Songhai. We will hide on our boats in the Great Southern Ocean and avoid the scourge that is coming.
P.S. We still want our 30 gold pieces - our merchants are starting to figure out this concept of usury so watch out!