Soninke, Serahuli in Senegal







Largest Religion

Main Language


Soninke people video

Source LinkUp Africa                                                Download

Profile Source: Bethany World Prayer Center

Introduction / History

One of the first Soninke settlements was established in Ghana around A.D. 750. Because of persecution by the Berbers, the Soninke dispersed into small groups within the neighboring regions. The three main sub-groups of the Soninke are the Marka, Nono, and Azer. Often, these tribes are further broken into smaller clans that specialize in various crafts. Some of the most important Soninke tribes are the Sisse, Drame, Sylla, and Kante. After fleeing to Senegal and Gambia, these groups intermixed with the local Wolof, Serer, and Malinke tribes.

The Soninke live primarily along the upper Senegal River from Matam to Bakel, with some migrating to the city of Dakar. Two of their settlements are Jara and Gajaga. Due to influence by a large nomadic tribe known as the Fulani, the Soninke have become farmers and herdsmen. They speak a Mandingo language called Sarakole (or Soninke).

What are Their Lives Like?



The Soninke live in compact villages, in which homes are built in two distinct styles. One style is round huts with brick walls and thatched roofs. The other style is rectangular houses with brick walls, interior courts, and flat terraced roofs. Houses line both sides of the main street, and a mosque is typically located in the village square.

Soninke marriages require the payment of a bride-price. In contrast to most neighboring tribes, the bride-price is given to the bride rather than her parents, and becomes part of her dowry. Pre-marital sexual relations are forbidden. Polygyny (having more than one wife) is generally accepted, with each man being limited to four wives by Islamic law.

In the past, inheritances were passed down from fathers to sons. Today, Muslim rules govern the dispersion of property: one-eighth goes to the widow, while equal shares go to each son and half shares go to each daughter.

What are Their Beliefs?


As Muslims, the Soninke adhere to the five essential "pillars", or duties, of Islam. These include affirming that "there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet;" praying five times a day while facing Mecca; giving alms generously; fasting during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year; and making at least one pilgrimage to Mecca, if possible.

What are Their Needs?


Prayer Points

* Ask the Lord to send forth laborers into Senegal to share Christ with the Soninke.
* Pray that Christian radio broadcasts would be made available to the Soninke.

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Country Senegal
Continent Africa
Region West and Central Africa
10/40 Window No
Location in Country North and south of Bakel along Senegal River. Bakel, Ouaoundé, Moudéri, and Yaféra are principal towns
People Group Map Soninke, Serahuli in Senegal

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People Name General Soninke
People Name in Country Soninke, Serahuli
ROP3 Code 109413
Joshua Project People ID 14996
Indigenous Yes
Population in Senegal 284,000
Least-Reached Yes
Alternate Names for People Group Azer, Sarakole, Sarawulé, Serahuli, Serer, Toubakai,
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Affinity Bloc Sub-Saharan Peoples
People Cluster Soninke
People Name General Soninke
Ethnic Code NAB63j
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Largest Religion Islam
2.0%    ( Evangelical  0.05% )
Ethnic Religions
Other / Small
Christian Segments
Other Christian
Roman Catholic
Photo Source: Link Up Africa
Map Source: Bethany World Prayer Center Copyrighted ©: Yes
Video Source: LinkUp Africa
Profile Source:
Data Sources: Data is compiled from various sources. Read more
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