Algerian, Arabic-speaking in Burkina Faso

Introduction / History

For thousands of years the whole of North Africa inhabited by Berber tribes, also known as the Imazighen, meaning "free people." During the seventh century, Arab armies stormed through this entire region, and for hundreds of years, there has been a blending of Arabic and Berber cultures and languages. The Arabic spoken in this region include loan words from Berber languages. In sum, this region is much like a cultural "ecotone" where there is a blend of two different types of communities. To make matters even more complicated, there are Bedouin tribes who blend in with this mix, and there are various degrees of "Arabization." For this reason, the terms "Arab" and "Berber" need to be taken loosely. There are Algerian Arabs in Algeria, other countries in North Africa and Europe. A small number live in the African countries of Niger and Burkina Faso.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are so few Algerian Arabs in Burkina Faso that it is difficult to say what they do for a living.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Algerian Arabs are almost entirely Sunni Muslims. The few Algerians who have accepted the salvation of Christ are almost all from the Berber tribes. A central part of the Algerian Arab's identity is in being Muslim, even though they are known to seek non-Islamic spiritual answers when grappling with a practical need like illnesses.

What Are Their Needs?

Algerian Arabs need to accept the abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer.

Prayer Points

Pray for Algerian Arabs to seek and find answers in Christ.
Pray for more of Christ's ambassadors to go to Burkina Faso to seek and find the lost.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Algerian Arabs everywhere.
Ask God to give mission agencies improved strategies for reaching Algerian Arabs for Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project