Hausa, Maouri in Niger

People Name:	Hausa, Maouri
Country:	Niger
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,018,000
World Population:	1,018,000
Primary Language:	Hausa
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	3.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.50 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Hausa
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Maouri are a subgroup of the large Hausa people group of West Africa. They speak both the Hausa language and the Zarma (or Djerma) language. The Maouri were colonized by European powers, and their lands were traded back and forth between the French and English under treaties established in 1890 and 1906. The French are said to have been especially brutal in their administration of these colonies. The Maouri established two capitals, in Matankari and Lougou, with religious authority based in Bagaji. They are concentrated around the Maouri Valley of the Niger River, extending from Matankari, near Niamey, to Gaya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Maouri are traders and farmers and have a reputation of being an industrious people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Maouri resisted conversion to Islam during the Fulani jihads of the early 19th century and have continued to resist the advance of Islam in their region. This in spite of the fact the Hausa people have been strongly Muslim for many years. They are mostly animistic, although there are growing numbers of both Muslims and some Christians.

What Are Their Needs?

Clean water is an essential need for all peoples in Niger. They need it for their crops, their livestock and for themselves. Christian workers can help them improve their water, giving themselves the chance to present the one who is the “water of life.”

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord will show himself sovereign and loving by providing adequate rain.
Both the Hausa and Zarma languages have the full Bible available, and there are many good resources available in these languages. Pray for workers to carry these resources to the people.
Pray the Maouri people will be given a growing dissatisfaction with their interest in fetishes and will begin to hunger to know the living God through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Pray the Lord will open their minds and that the Holy Spirit will fill their minds with truth; Jesus is Truth.
Pray for good schools to be available, and for parents to understand the importance of a good education for their children.