Bakwele in Gabon
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| People Name: | Bakwele |
| Country: | Gabon |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 8,100 |
| World Population: | 27,000 |
| Primary Language: | Bekwel |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 8.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Central-Congo |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bakwele are also known as Kwele. They speak a Bantu language with five dialects. In the 1800s they fled Africa’s west coast when their traditional enemies obtained firearms from slave traders. They live in Gabon and Cameroon but the largest number live further inland in the Republic of the Congo.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Bakwele have a patrilineal system of inheritance. The father makes important decisions and holds a role in their relationship with other communities.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Traditionally, the Bakwele would call upon their ancestral spirits when misfortune would strike. Things like poor hunting, famine or war would result in them calling upon a specialist known as the gaa beete to bring back harmony. This rite was known as beete and it involved relics which each family possessed. Today most are Christian, though the gospel witness is weakest among them in Cameroon.
What Are Their Needs?
The Bakwele need local medical facilities to deal with injuries and disease.
Prayer Points
Pray for a purification of the Bakwele church, leading them to a Christ-oriented faith.
Pray for Bakwele disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to give them an abundant harvest this year as a testimony of his power and love.