Benkonjo in Central African Republic

The Benkonjo have only been reported in Central African Republic
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

According to a legend of the Benkonjo, there was a tribal war between themselves and another people. The war was intense and the Benkonjo wanted to flee across a deep river. As there was no bridge, one of the Long-et-Long people (which means "twins" or "snake") turned into a bridge, allowing all of the people to cross the river to safety.

UKWEJO means "hard" or "iron" in the Ukhwejo language which is spoken by the Benkonjo people group of the Central African Republic. They call themselves Mboungondjo, and are actually a fusion of five tribes: the Mikororos, Yakokis-Djaro, Peleng, Kanang and Long-et-Long.

For the past 100 years, the Benkonjo people have lived in the Nguoulo village in the town of Nola. Their original village was Wangoh, but because of the railroad constructed by settlers, they had to move to Ngoulo. Benkonjos are now in the Central African Republic.

The majority of Benkonjo people mainly communicate in their own Ukhwejo Language. However, many will use Sango as a language of exchange and integration into the surrounding society. The Benkonjo consider anyone who does not speak their language to be a foreigner so it would be best for them to be reached by a native speaker.


What Are Their Lives Like?

To this day, their main activities are fishing and farming. They are governed by traditional chiefs. They are a solitary people who prefer to live on the margins of other peoples' land and villages.


What Are Their Beliefs?

When work began among the Benkonjo there were only 3 believers. Today they are overwhelmingly Christian. Most of the Benkonjo practice animism, worshiping two spirits called Mololo and Soh.


What Are Their Needs?

It would be best for the few native believers to lead their own church. There is a need for discipleship.

85% of the people are illiterate and there is no government effort to establish schools for them. There is no scripture in the Ukhwejo language.


Prayer Points

Pray for Benkonjo Christians to disciple others and train the next generation to do the same.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in Benkonjo home groups and churches, moving them to discipleship and mission work throughout Central Africa.


Scripture Prayers for the Benkonjo in Central African Republic.


References

Anonymous


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Benkonjo
People Name in Country Benkonjo
Alternate Names Benkonj; Ukhewjo
Population this Country 3,400
Population all Countries 3,400
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 10794
ROP3 Code 101260
Country Central African Republic
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank 27  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: south of Nola. Ukhwejo in Ngulo; Bikaka in Nalimo, Salo, Bayanga, and Gbaso; Piiga in Koola, Ambasila; Kamsili in Bomanzoku, Linjombo, both sides of Sanga river. 7 villages.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Central African Republic
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank 27  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture: south of Nola. Ukhwejo in Ngulo; Bikaka in Nalimo, Salo, Bayanga, and Gbaso; Piiga in Koola, Ambasila; Kamsili in Bomanzoku, Linjombo, both sides of Sanga river. 7 villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 22.10 %)
77.00 %
Ethnic Religions
20.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
3.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Ukhwejo (3,400 speakers)
Language Code ukh   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Ukhwejo (3,400 speakers)
Language Code ukh   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Ukhwejo

Primary Language:  Ukhwejo

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Needed

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source Erik Laursen, New Covenant Missions 
Map Source Anonymous  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.