Musgum, Mulwi in Chad

Introduction / History

Kirdi (meaning "pagan") is a broad, collective name for several people groups living in northern Cameroon, southeastern Nigeria, and southwestern Chad. At one time, all of these groups were completely traditional in their religious views. Today, some have become Muslim and wear traditional Islamic dress. Each tribe speaks its own dialect of Biu-Mandara, a Chadic language.

The Fulbe are the dominant people group of the North Central African region. In the 1800s, the Kirdi (non-Fulbe) tribes fiercely resisted Fulbe domination. During this period, they fled to the Mandara Mountains, hills, and isolated valleys, where they still live today.

One of the Kirdi groups is the Mulwi Musgum. They have their own language, Musgu.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mulwi Musgum in Chad fish, but most are farmers who raise crops on hillside terraces. Peanuts, maize and millet are among their main crops. They also grow melons, pumpkins and beans. Millet and other cereals are usually grown on the mountains or hill slopes, while other crops are raised in gardens near the houses. Cotton, indigo (used for dyeing), and plants that are used for hunting, religious medicines, and other purposes are also grown.

A Mulwi Musgum man's work includes crafting leather, making baskets, spinning, weaving and building. Women make clay objects, train the small children, prepare the meals, and do other household activities. A woman raises crops on a small plot of land. The profits earned from selling these crops belong to the woman. Children take care of the small animals and help their older siblings or parents do other household chores.

Traditionally, Mulwi Musgum houses were grouped into small village settlements by clan or lineage. The villages were clustered around mountain peaks that could not easily be accessed by outsiders. They were protected by mud-brick barriers that had been overgrown by thorn bushes. Today, their villages are composed of several round buildings made of mud-brick and thatched roofs. The buildings are connected by woven straw fences or hedges. The buildings are positioned so that there is an open area in the center. Each home has a kitchen, an attic, and a room for the husband; the wife lives in a separate hut. When the children reach puberty they add separate rooms for them. Young males are given square huts where they live until they are married.

Although polygamy is permitted among the Mulwi Musgum, most men usually have only one wife. Marriages are almost always arranged by the parents; children do not choose their own mates. Once they make an agreement his parents pay the bride price and the young couple starts a new homestead.

Mulwi Musgum culture contains various arts, such as vocal and instrumental music. Their main musical instruments include whistles, flutes, horns, harps and drums. They play these instruments during festivals and at special ceremonies.

Each clan has its own "therapist-diviner" or medicine man. He benefits the community by supplying various medicines. He also serves as a mediator between the people and the spirits and performs minor surgical operations. The medicine man is paid with modest gifts from the villagers. The Mulwi Musgum do not pray to this god, but rather to their ancestors, whom they believe will intercede on their behalf. Beliefs about this creator god might be a bridge to biblical truth.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Officially about three-fourths of the Mulwi Musgum are Muslim, but they blend Islamic practices with traditional beliefs. They believe that the Earth is the "mother goddess" who has birthed all other "supernatural" beings, including thunder and lightning, black snakes, crocodiles and certain inanimate objects.

There is a Christian minority among the Mulwi Musgum people that can be used by God to reach others. This is especially true for those who live in Chad rather than Cameroon.

What Are Their Needs?

Although the Mulwi Musgum have shown interest in Christian teachings, most remain outside the kingdom of God. There is a group of Christian believers among them. They need to take the only savior to the others. The Mulwi Musgum people must be told that the Creator is not an impersonal god, but rather a loving Savior who wants them to be part of his eternal family.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mulwi Musgum leaders in Chad to open the doors for the gospel to enter their communities.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will increase their hunger for the word of God and open their eyes to the truth.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers who will not stop until there is a reproducing Mulwi Musgum church.
Pray that churches will plant other churches among each Kirdi tribe.

Text Source:   Joshua Project