I can't help but notice that the Crusades seem to be the earliest mention of western swords in the region of the Soudan and N. Africa, particularly in relation to the kaskara, while it should be considered that long, straight blades of western influence were probably introduced into the area as far back as the Roman empire, notably the Celtic longswords being carried as "treasure" and trade items by legionaries, just as a short sword very reminiscent of the Roman gladius was used by Ethiopian troops from approximatley the same period, I believe roughly 50 BC or so right up through the early 20th century.
As to the flattened pommel disc vs the upright western style, it seems logical to me that this was likely an evolution from the local smiths who seemed to show a propensity for peened over tangs.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the association goes much further back than is commonly noted, with certain periods romanticizing the resemblance for a period until it faded from comment until the next "wave'>
Mike
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