Tuaregs (aka, Tamacheqs) are descended from Berbers in the region that is now Libya, and also from ancient Saharan peoples. Early in their history, Algerian Tamacheq people were involved in slave trading. Those who were not used as slaves were assimilated into Tamacheq society. This is one of the reasons they are sometimes despised by other people groups and given the derisive name, "Tuareg." These tough people are considered trouble-makers, sometimes for good reason, and sometimes out of prejudice.
Following the independence of African countries in the 1960s, Tamacheq territory was artificially divided into modern nations: Niger, Mali, Algeria, Libya, and Burkina Faso. The Tamacheqs adopted camel nomadism, along with its distinctive form of social organization, from camel-herding Arabs about two thousand years ago.
Most of the Algerian Tamacheqs live in the southeastern part of Algeria, but some live further south in Niger.
For most Algerian Tamacheqs in Niger, if there weren't tents available, there would be no homes at all. Camels are the center of their economic activity and lifestyle. They provide milk, meat, hair for textiles and clothing, as well as muscle for moving equipment and heavy loads. This has been the national routine for 2,000 years now, since the camel was introduced by the Arabs. Tamacheqs are known to enjoy a cup of hot, strong, sweet tea, particularly while visiting with foreigners who come to experience their homeland.
Though the Tamacheqs are virtually all Sunni Muslim, they have a reputation among other Muslims for being lukewarm in their faith. They practice a passive form of Islam, infused with folk beliefs and magic. Most do not even celebrate the most important Muslim Fast of Ramadan.
There are few known Tamacheq believers in Niger. Prayer is the key to reaching the Tamacheq people with the gospel.
Pray that the small number of believers will rise to the challenge of taking the gospel to their people.
Pray that gospel broadcasts will soon be produced in their language.
Pray that God will grant wisdom and favor to mission agencies focusing on the Tamacheq peoples in Niger.
Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Algerian Tamacheqs who will boldly declare the gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among them that will reach the Algerian Tamacheq in Algeria as well as Niger.
Scripture Prayers for the Tuareg, Algerian in Niger.
http://www.our-africa.org/niger/tuaregs
http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/tuareg/
http://www.globalprayerdigest.org/index.php/issue/day/2012/12/18
Profile Source: Keith Carey |
Tuareg profile for Children and Family Missions Activities |
People Name General | Tuareg, Algerian |
People Name in Country | Tuareg, Algerian |
Natural Name | Algerian Tuareg |
Pronunciation |
al-JEER-ee-uhn TWA-reg
|
Alternate Names | Algerian Saharan Spoken; Arabic, Algerian Saharan Spoken; Arabized Tuareg; Arab-Speaking; Aruat; Asben Tuareg; Chaamba Bedouin; Laguat Bedouin; Nail Bedouin; Shaanba; Tamanrasset Tuareg; Tuareg Arab-Speaking; Uled Nail |
Population this Country | 27,000 |
Population all Countries | 138,000 |
Total Countries | 3 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 15226 |
ROP3 Code | 109776 |
Country | Niger | ||
Region | Africa, West and Central | ||
Continent | Africa | ||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||
Persecution Rank | 28 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||
Location in Country | Agadez area. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Niger |
Region | Africa, West and Central |
Continent | Africa |
10/40 Window | Yes |
Persecution Rank | 28 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Location in Country | Agadez area.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.10 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
99.90 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Arabic, Algerian Saharan Spoken (27,000 speakers) |
Language Code | aao Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Arabic, Algerian Saharan Spoken (27,000 speakers) |
Language Code | aao Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Arabic, Algerian Saharan Spoken |
Primary Language: Arabic, Algerian Saharan Spoken
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1992) |
Bible-New Testament | No |
Bible-Complete | No |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Arabic Bible Online | Arabic Bible Outreach Ministry |
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Arabic, Algerian Saharan Spoken | Jesus Film Project |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
Text / Printed Matter | Tools for faith conversations | Campus Crusade for Christ |
Photo Source | Anonymous |
Profile Source | Keith Carey |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |