UKWEJO means "hard" or "iron" in the Ukhwejo language which is spoken by the Benkonjo people group of the Central African Republic. The call themselves Mboungondjo, and they are actually a fusion of five tribes: the Mikororos, Yakokis-Djaro, Peleng, Kanang and Long-et-Long . They are governed by traditional chiefs.
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. There are about 2850 Benkonjo living there now, although Benkonjo have moved to Cameroon and the Republic of Congo due to insecurity of the area. They are a solitary people who prefer to live on the margins of other peoples' land and villages.
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. To this day their main activities are fishing and farming.
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. A government agency tried to plant a church but was not successful because the temporary workers who started the church have been transferred out of the area. It would be best for the few native believers to lead their own church. There is a need for discipleship.
Most of he Benkonjo practice animism, worshiping two spirits called Mololo and Soh. 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.
When work began among the Benkonjo there were only 3 believers to be found. Over a year's time that number grew to 221 believers.
There is no Christian congregation which meets in a church building, but there are now 13 house churches among the Benkonjo.
Scripture Prayers for the Benkonjo in Central African Republic.
Profile Source: Anonymous |
Other PDF Profile |
People Name General | Benkonjo |
People Name in Country | Benkonjo |
Alternate Names | Benkonj; Ukhewjo |
Population this Country | 3,300 |
Population all Countries | 3,300 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 5 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 10794 |
ROP3 Code | 101260 |
Country | Central African Republic | ||
Region | Africa, West and Central | ||
Continent | Africa | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
Persecution Rank | 24 (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 | 24 (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 (3,300 speakers) |
Language Code | ukh Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Unknown |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Ukhwejo (3,300 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 | Anonymous |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |