Hi Wolf,
Not an imitation in my opinion. Lee has kindly pointed me in the direction of this thread and sword:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...91&postcount=7
The style of the marks and inlays are exactly the same. Also the profile of the blade, when taking into consideration the shortened length and rounded tip, is very, very similar. I'll let Lee say more on his impressions, only I can say that I think it is earlier than the 1590 date on the cross mark in your illustrations (thanks for posting them by the way!).
Perhaps Hausa I agree, unfortunately I see no way right now to say if it not Tuareg, Hausa or something else.
Best,
Iain