Berber, Masna in Mauritania

Introduction / History

Mauritania's main exports are fish, iron ore, and recently oil (offshore production). Corruption is a significant factor in the Mauritanian economy at all levels. Slavery is allegedly still a factor, especially in the interior.

There are not many people groups in Mauritania, but one of them is the Masna people, who are of Soninke origin. They are Black Africans in a country dominated by Arabized people. Masna people are widespread in Mauritania.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Masna people own majority rights over the extraction of salt from fields of amersal, a salty crust that forms after summertime rains on the lakebeds that surround Tichit; the salt is sold predominantly to herders as an animal-feed supplement. Some earn their livelihood through farming and animal herding.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Masna people are officially Muslim, but like most African Muslims, their beliefs are tainted by pre-Islamic practices. They have faith in Allah, the God of Islam; some follow Islamic practices such as praying on Fridays, giving alms to the poor and going on a pilgrimage to Mecca. However, for their daily needs, they depend on the spirit world.

What Are Their Needs?

A complete Bible is not translated into their heart language, Hassaniyya, nor in their secondary language, Zenaga. There are GRN audio recordings, and the JESUS Film in Hassaniyya.

Prayer Points

There are only a small number of Mauritanian believers worldwide. Believers in Mauritania are known to be imprisoned, beaten, or ostracized by family or tribe. Pray for religious freedom in Mauritania. Pray for Godly leaders to develop among the small number of believers.
Pray for encounters with Lord Jesus, and that all who obey Him will be courageous and loving in their witness to others.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to emerge among the Masna people of Mauritania.

Text Source:   Joshua Project