Introduction / History

The Hausa in West Africa have been heavily involved in long distance trading for centuries. Traders exchanged gold from the Middle East for leather, crafts, and food.

The Hausa are the largest ethnic group in all of West Africa, as well as one of the most powerful. Their power is centered in Nigeria, where they share political control with the Fulani peoples. Ironically their population is very small in one of Africa's smallest nations, Togo.

Some have wrongly assumed that Boko Haram comes from the Hausa because the term itself is from the Hausa language. But Boko Haram is mainly from Kanuri and Fulani as well as other tribes.

Where Are they Located?

Though the Hausa are especially prominent in Nigeria, they can also be found in other West African countries like Togo.

What Are Their Lives Like?

For the most part, Hausa life is devoted to caring for family and making a living. Hausa society is hierarchical, with the eldest male holding all power. A high percentage of the Hausa people are farmers, though they are mostly noted for being traders.

Wherever they live, the Hausa have the festival of dances. Village drummers beat a drum to call out a particular Hausa farmer who must shout loudly and recite a praise song. He then performs tricks and magic to the delight of the crowd. This celebration not only entertains people, but it also acts as a bond between villages. They have been doing this for as long as anyone can remember.

Today members of the Hausa community are highly trained, educated and assimilated into the political and social life of many African countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Some of the Hausas have become very rich. They are deeply involved in the politics of their communities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hausas hold firmly to their Islamic religion and values. Though Islam is central to their identity, on a daily basis, the Hausa people put their faith in the spirit world. They wear amulets and consult witchdoctors. Their ancient religion is called Maguzawa. It involves sacrificing animals so the spirits will benefit you and your family.

What Are Their Needs?

Adequate Christian resources are available in the Hausa language; but they are still an unreached Muslim people group. The Hausa people need to see their critical need for the Savior, who loves them and desires a personal relationship with them. They need to see that they will not be accepted by the Creator of the universe except through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that they will see that their Islamic religion will not save them on the final day.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will allow circumstances into the lives of these people that will point to their sinfulness and their need for the Savior.
Pray for a genuine movement of the Holy Spirit to impact Hausa elders and religious leaders that will impact them in Togo.
Pray for a disciple making movement among the Hausa people throughout West Africa.

Scripture Prayers for the Hausa in Togo.

References

Profiles written by Global Prayer Digest
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12070/TO
http://www.sim.org/index.php/content/hausa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hausa_people
http://www.peoplegroups.org/Explore/groupdetails.aspx?peid=14358
https://br.pinterest.com/pin/324681454360279314/