Songhai-Koyraboro in Niger

Introduction / History

The Songhai are located in the westernmost provinces of Niger, mainly inhabiting the lush river plains along the Niger River. Others live farther from the river in the desert areas, where there is little water and sparse vegetation. Sizable Songhai communities can also be found in the nearby countries of Burkina Faso, Benin, Nigeria and Mali.

The Songhai are known by various names. The Sorko are fishermen who live in small settlements along the rivers. The Fono live in the upper lake area, and the Gow are hunters in the high grass stretches of the savanna. A caste of magicians goes proudly by the name of Sohanti.

The Songhai trace their origin to the eighth century kingdom of Za. The Songhai Empire of West Africa of the 15th and 16th centuries was based on trade. Textiles, weapons and horses came down from North Africa. Slaves, salt and gold came up from the south. After the Songhai Empire fell to an army from Morocco, the majority of the common people stayed in Mali and Niger while many nobles traveled south to start a new life. These people celebrate their past with epic poetry, music and dance.

The Songhai people speak many dialects. Koyraboro Senni Songhay is one of them. They are divided in part by the dialect they speak. For that reason, we call one group the Songhai-Koyraboro.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Songhai settlements usually consist of round, mud or thatched dwellings with straw roofs. Today, an increasing number of villagers live in rectangular mud brick houses with corrugated tin roofs. Songhai settlements along the Niger River contain many rice fields and garden plots. Villages farther from the river are surrounded by bush areas and cultivated fields. Cowpeas, groundnuts and manioc are the usual crops, but millet is grown during the brief rainy season. The men sell surplus millet and rice and engage in transport and commerce. The women often sell cooked foods and condiments. Farming is considered noble labor among the Songhai and is for men only. The women have gardens in which they grow mangoes, guavas, citrus fruits, papayas, dates and bananas during the hot, dry season. They also cultivate carrots, tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, and squash. Most of the garden work is done by family members. In addition to farming, the Songhai also raise livestock.

All of the Songhai men within the village have a common male ancestor. Among the class of nobles, firstborn sons are pressured to marry their paternal uncle's daughter in order to maintain the purity of the lineage. Men marry while they are in their late twenties; whereas girls marry while in their early teens. Whether the marriage lasts or not, all of the children belong to the husband's lineage group. Although Islamic law allows a man to have up to four wives, most of the Songhai men have only one. If a man has multiple wives, each lives in her own separate hut.

Despite the fact that the Songhai are a minority in Niger, they have a strong influence in the military government.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Songhai are nearly all Muslim. Even though Islam introduced new elements to the Songhai culture, it left the underlying framework of custom and tradition virtually untouched. Islam is superficially important, as evidenced in the fact that every town has a mosque, or at least a Friday mosque. Some communities have imams (religious leaders) who teach Islamic philosophy. Marabouts (Islamic holy men) lead community prayers but are also used in healing the sick.

Spirit possession, magic, sorcery, ancestor worship, and witchcraft, however, remain the vital components of Songhai spiritual beliefs. Most villages have possession troops, magician-healers and witches. In some places, ceremonies of spirit possession occur at least once a week. The most important ceremonies are the genji bi hori (a festival in which the Songhai make offerings to the "black spirits" believed to control pestilence) and the yenaandi (rain dance). They hold these in the dry season.

What Are Their Needs?

Most Songhai-Koyraboro live simple, adequate lives except in times of drought. Unfortunately, there are regular droughts. Malnutrition is a problem for many.

A majority of the Songhai-Koyraboro have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel in their heart language. Christian workers need to share the love of Jesus with the Songhai in practical ways.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send Christian agricultural workers, educators and doctors to minister to the physical needs of the Songhai-Koyraboro.
Pray for Songhai-Koyraboro family leaders to have dreams of the righteous and victorious Christ, leading them to the cross.
Pray for many to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace Christ no matter what the cost.
Pray for Songhai-Koyraboro disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project