Kuranko in Guinea

Introduction / History

The Koranko are a branch of the Malinke tribe who occupy a large section in both southern Guinea and Sierra Leone. Within this geographical region, different dialects, as well as distinct social groupings, can be found. In general, the Koranko are a peaceful people who have maintained a separate ethnic identity, despite years of tribal mixings.

The Koranko occupy the savanna and tropical forests of the southeastern Guinea Highlands. The climate there is hot and humid throughout the year. The region lacks adequate road systems and is not easily accessible, leaving the Koranko socially isolated. This may explain why most have held on to their traditional culture and religion.

The Koranko speak Kuranko (or Koranko), a dialect of the Mende branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The language can be understood by the neighboring Malinke and Susu peoples.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Koranko are primarily subsistence farmers. Rice is the main crop cultivated, although the humid savanna woodlands also yield cotton, peanuts, corn, and coffee. Each household also owns fruit trees around the village, which produce bananas, papayas, mangos, and other fruits.

Typically, the Koranko live in thatch roofed houses that are made of circular walls of poles and elephant-grass canes. The poles have been covered with mud and layers of grass. The homes belong to the men, who are the providers. The women are responsible for preparing meals for their families.

Childhood for a boy or girl lasts until puberty. At this time, a ritual purification ceremony, called a biriye, ushers them into adulthood.

An adult is expected to show honor and respect for the customs of the Koranko past. This may be demonstrated by joining various cult associations. The Gbansogoron ("cheek piercers") use self-inflicted pain as a way of showing bravery. The Segere is a women's cult that supports and defends the rights of women.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Less than one-third of the Koranko in Guinea are Muslim. The majority of the others follow their traditional ethnic religion. They sometimes think of "the wild" as opposite to village life, and they use animal metaphors to identify evildoers. Someone without faith is likened to a dog, one who steals is as a monkey, and a traitor is as a snake. The Koranko believe that certain people can change into animals to harm others. Certain animals, such as vultures, bats, and black cats symbolize witchcraft.

The Koranko believe that in the forests, the rivers, and the mountains live quasi-human beings known as Nyenne. These are "bush spirits," who are believed to influence Koranko life in different ways.

The Nyenne are rarely seen but are somewhat feared. They are thought to live in the bush near the villages, and are said to live as humans: in houses with their families. A Koranko will make a sacrifice to one of these Nyenne when clearing land for his farm. It is believed that the Nyenne can make women barren, cause insanity, and cause farming accidents. The Koranko also believe that they can be friendly, bringing good fortune.

What Are Their Needs?

The New Testament has already been translated into the Kuranko language. However, few Koranko have responded to the Gospel message.

Television programs being aired in the Kuranko language can be very effective. There is a strong need for further evangelization into this socially isolated region. Prayer is the first step toward seeing them reached with the Light of the Gospel.

Prayer Points

Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to any missions agencies currently focusing on the Koranko.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth additional laborers to work among the Koranko of Guinea.
Pray that God will give Koranko believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will break up the soil through worship and intercession.
Pray that Christian radio broadcasts and evangelical literature will be made available to the Koranko.
Pray for the effective use of the Jesus film in the Kuranko language.
Ask the Lord to bring forth strong local churches among the Koranko.

Text Source:   Bethany World Prayer Center