Baga Binari in Guinea

Baga Binari
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People Name: Baga Binari
Country: Guinea
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 4,200
World Population: 4,200
Primary Language: Baga Pokur
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Translation Needed
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Atlantic
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

This small people group is located in north-western Guinea. As the name suggests, they are considered to be related to the other Baga people groups of the area. However, during a research trip taken in 2015, we were told that they come from the Pulaar region of Gaoul (in the north) and that they used to be Fula Djalon. They settled in their present location to fish.

They live in only two villages on one island in the north-western part of Guinea. The villages are Mboteni and Binari, and the island is near the Atlantic coast.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their language has continued to change, until today it is mutually unintelligible with the language of the Fula Djalons. This language will probably give way to others in this region.

We know very little about the lifestyle of the Baga Binari people, but they are probably farmers and herders like the people around them.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There is no church in either of their villages. We met one Catholic man in one of the villages, and the villagers admit that it's possible that those who have moved away to the cities may have become Christians. However, they said that all of the Baga Binaris in their two villages are Muslim and that everyone goes to pray at the mosque (personal communication). It is highly likely that they practice a form of Folk Islam, though, mixing traditional beliefs with Islam.

What Are Their Needs?

The Baga Binari people need the chance to put their faith in Christ alone. As it stands, their faith is in the teachings of Islam and their traditional gods.

Prayer Points

Pray for Holy Spirit directed workers to go to the Baga Binaris in Guinea-Bissau.
Pray for spiritual hunger that will draw them to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Pray for a movement to Christ among this Muslim people group.
Pray for their elders to open the door for their people to embrace Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project