Introduction / History

The Balanta people in Guinea-Bissau are related to other Balanta peoples and live side-by-side with them but have been introduced to Islam by the Mandinkas. They have their own Balanta Mane language and do not speak the related Balanta Kentohe language. In the towns they would understand and speak Creole and maybe some Kentohe, but in the villages they speak Balanta Mane. The Balanta peoples live in northern Guinea-Bissau and southern Senegal along the border with Guinea-Bissau. There are some subgroups. Among them are the Mane Balanta. Subgroups are divided by dialect.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mane Balanta live a simple lifestyle and raise cattle.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The overwhelming majority practice folk Islam. In Bisabur, Barro and Bijene there are larger groups of Roman Catholics. In southern Senegal there is a Mane Balanta church. A handful of mission agencies are working amongst them.

What Are Their Needs?

They need Scriptures or portions of Scriptures in their own language.

Prayer Items

Pray for those working amongst them to get a good grasp of the language and culture. Pray for anointed sharing of God's word that will lead to a movement to Christ.
Pray for the other Balanta believers to have a love, respect and readiness to share the gospel with them.

Scripture Prayers for the Balanta, Mane in Guinea-Bissau.

References

Titus Dima [email protected] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Balante