Somali Bantu in Somalia
Photo Source:
Emmanuel Adiba - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Somali Bantu |
| Country: | Somalia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 905,000 |
| World Population: | 1,080,200 |
| Primary Language: | Maay |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.05 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.05 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Swahili |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Somali Bantus are an African minority ethnic group. They originally were brought to Somalia in the 19th century as slaves by Arabs. They are culturally, physically and ethnically different from the Somalis who are ethnically cohesive but divided by hostile clans. Somali Bantus speak two languages known as Maay-Maay and Zigua.
When civil war broke out in Somalia, many Somali Bantus were driven from their homes and farms by armed Somali militiamen. Fleeing for their lives, they walked through dangerous territory to reach Kenya. Many died along the way. They were placed in refugee camps. Today most live along the riverbanks of southern Somalia or further south into Kenya. A small number live in either Canada or the United States.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The different Somali Bantu groups are united primarily because of the racial discrimination they face within Somalia. Most Somalis will not intermarry with Somali Bantus, and some will not even eat with them or enter their house. During the civil war in Somalia, Somali Bantus were one of the most vulnerable groups and suffered horribly at the hands of clan militias and criminal gangs. Many have left Somalia.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The majority of Somali Bantus are Muslim in name only. Some living in Africa continue to practice their traditional animist rituals. Many have retained their ancestral animist traditions, including the practice of spirit possession dances, animism and the use of magic and curses.
What Are Their Needs?
It was never Almighty God's intent that people depend on magic and spirits! Christ died to set men free from sin and spiritual oppression. The Somali Bantu community need him.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Somali Bantus to depend on God Almighty for their physical and spiritual needs. Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Somali Bantus in Somalia.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Somali Bantus soon.
Pray for the Somali Bantus who have fled to Kenya and the United States to be salt and light to their family members in Somalia.