Kotoko, Lagwan in Cameroon

People Name:	Kotoko, Lagwan
Country:	Cameroon
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	16,000
World Population:	46,000
Primary Language:	Lagwan
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	10.00 %
Evangelicals:	5.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chadic
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Lagwan people live in the northern part of Cameroon, by the Logone River. Their language area extends into Chad to the east. Traditional rulers in the area are called sultans. The town of Logone-Birni is the hub of the language area with a few surrounding villages in Cameroon and Chad. A number of Lagwan speakers also live in the larger cities of Cameroon, Nigeria, and Chad.

Linguistically, Lagwan is one of the eight Kotoko languages, and Lagwan speakers refer to themselves ethnically as Kotoko. A Latin script writing system has been developed for Lagwan but it is not currently in use.

The Kotoko are traditionally fishermen and farmers, making use of the Logone River to irrigate their fields. It can be very difficult to access the language area during rainy season (June-Sept.).

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam dominates as the primary religion, with a good deal of syncretism with animism. It is not known if there are any Lagwan Christians, but one estimate is that perhaps ten percent of those living in Cameroon profess Jesus as Lord.