Futatoron Fulani in Senegal

Overview

The Fulani make up the largest group of nomads in the world. Scattered throughout West Africa, the Fulbe (as they call themselves) number at least 16 million. Many varying subgroups exist among the Fulani, distinguished by dialects of a common language (Fulfulde) and other cultural differences. Fulani share a common heritage of nomadic pastoralism and Islam.

Futa Toro Fulani are very distinct from most other Fulani groups. They prefer to call themselves Tukulor (Toucouleur) to distinguish themselves from cattle-raising Fulani. Moreover, they proudly speak a language known as Pulaar that is different from most Fulbe dialects.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."   2 Chronicles 16:9

The Futa Toro Fulani of Senegal are a proudly Muslim people. Yet like most Fulani groups, their religious practices "are inextricably mixed with traditional animistic ideas and occult folk rituals." Adherents of folk Islam seek answers to the concerns of everyday life (sickness, fear of the unknown, broken relations); folk Islam, therefore, is extremely pragmatic. It is primarily concerned, not with truth, but with power. It often involves magic, divination, and even spirit possession.

The Futa Toro are a people longing for a God who will show Himself strong on their behalf. They seek such a God in Allah, but he is not always willing to intercede. Thus, they rely on winning the favor of a pantheon of spirits to gain temporary and fallible security. The Futa Toro Fulani desperately need the assurance of the powerful blood of Jesus to cast out their fear of evil spirits.

Unlike the hard-to-please spirits they are used to appeasing, the God of Jesus Christ is a more-than-willing Savior who requires no sacrifice but that which Christ supplied in His own death. Pray that the eyes of the Futa Toro would be opened to this truth and that they would embrace the One who desires to show Himself strong on their behalf. 

Facts

Futa Toro Population: 
833,000 in Senegal (9% of population)
1.5 million Futa Toro worldwide
Alternate names
Tukulor, Toucouleur, Futa Tooro, Haal-pulaar, Takarir, Torokawan
Christian adherent
 0%
Unevangelized
 67%
Religion
Sunni Islam with Sufi Tijaniyya.
Witchcraft persists.
Language
Pulaar
Primary development concern
prenatal and primary healthcare, education, water purification
Population: 
833000
Religion: 
Sunni Muslim
Unevangelized: 
63.0%

Evangelization

  • Number of agencies:  5
  • Number of church members:  0
  • Whole Bible:  in progress
  • New Testament:  1997
  • Jesus film: yes
  • Christian Radio Broadcast:  yes
  • Christian Audio Recordings:  yes
  • God's Story Video: yes

AFM-USA and AFM-Nigeria recently sponsored a strategy coordinator training conference in Nigeria.  The result of this time was the appointment of twelve Nigerian pastors for work among unreached peoples in Africa.  Pastor Oumarou Orodji Souleymane is the missionary preparing for work among the Futa Toro Fulani of Senegal. Visit the "Blessing of the Twelve" page in the People Group Info section of this website to see how you can be involved in reaching the Futa Toro.

Poverty

Table 2: Selected indicators of human poverty for Senegal

Probability of not surviving
to age 40
(%)
Adult illiteracy rate
(15 and above)
(%)
People not using an
improved water source
(%)
Children underweight for age
(age under 5)
(%)
1. Hong Kong, China
(1.4)
1. Georgia
(0.0)
1. Barbados
(0)
1. Croatia
(1)
119. Senegal
(22.4)
142. Senegal
(58.1)
106. Senegal
(23)
79. Senegal
(17)
153. Lesotho
(47.4)
151. Mali
(73.8)
150. Afghanistan
(78)
138. Bangladesh
(48)

 

UNDP Human Development Report 2009 - Senegal

Prayer

Pray that:

  • That God would raise up mission agencies so that churches would be planted among them.
  • That God would give them grace to face the challenges.
  • That God will raise partners that will plan to work among them.