Photo Source:
James Lane
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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People Name: | Kanembu |
Country: | Chad |
10/40 Window: | Yes |
Population: | 962,000 |
World Population: | 1,000,300 |
Primary Language: | Kanembu |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Christian Adherents: | 0.01 % |
Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
Scripture: | Portions |
Online Audio NT: | No |
Jesus Film: | Yes |
Audio Recordings: | Yes |
People Cluster: | Kanuri-Saharan |
Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
Progress Level: |
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Between the sands of the Sahara and the shores of Lake Chad live the Kanembu. For over a thousand years the Kanem-Bornu Empire exerted its influence over central North Africa. Its influence covered eastern Nigeria and Niger, the northern half of Chad and Libya. It traded with Egypt and sponsored Islamic schools as far away as Alexandria. Its camel caravans reached the Muslim holy cities in the Arabian Peninsula. Until the beginning of the 1900's and the French conquest of this area, this empire was the major power in the heart of the north central Africa. Today the Kanembu people are one group of the descendants of this great empire, and their sultans and traditional rules are still more influential than government authorities. They are Chad's merchant tribe, with 75-80% of all merchants in Chad coming from this group, making them one of Chad's wealthiest groups.
The style of living has changed little in the last thousand years, although modern conveniences: vehicles, water pumps, sewing machines, have been added alongside their traditional lifestyle. The current younger generation seeks to escape the village and find a more fulfilling life and job in the outside world. The pull to urban centers, especially to the capital, is very strong.
They live in an area between the shores of Lake Chad and the Sahara Desert. Living in mud brick houses, their culture and clothing resembling that of Bible times, they still await being reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Their practice of Islam is mixed with African traditional beliefs. They have outward conformity to Islam but depend on a form of spiritism to meet daily problems. Marabouts as spiritual leaders are often sought for their healing power or for their ability to communicate with spirits.
The Kanembu live in the desert region of northwestern Chad. Since the area receives less than 12 inches of rain per year, farming is very difficult.
Pray for the Lord to reach the younger generation in urban settings.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts and minds to the savior.
Pray for disciples who will make more disciples until all have heard.