Fernandino Creole in Equatorial Guinea

Introduction / History

In 1827 the British established the city of Clarence (later called Santa Isabel by the Spaniards and Malabo by the Equatorial Guineans). The city was settled by English colonialists, 30 Sierra Leonese, and 100 krumanes from Cabo Palmas. The majority of these African settlers had been liberated from slaving ships, and they were already speaking the English Creole of Freetown. At that time the island of Bioko was called Fernando Po, (named after its Portuguese explorer), and thus these new residents came to be called Fernandinos, or Criollos because of their Creole language. They represent a small percentage of the population of Equatorial Guineans (EG), in West Africa. Although their language, an English-based Creole, is spoken by tens of thousands of EG as a trade language, this People Profile is focusing on the mother tongue speakers of Pidginglis (Krio) as a distinct people group.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like most other people in their region, the Fernandino Creole speakers fish and farm. They can be found in just about any occupation that is available in that country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

As a result of Spanish colonization, the majority of Criollos are at least nominally Roman Catholic.

What Are Their Needs?

There are about 20 evangelical believers, but there are no Pidginglis churches, and there are no missionaries dedicated to reaching the Criollos within their language and culture.

Prayer Points

Pray for a revival in Equatorial Guinea that will bless Fernandino Creoles in every way.
Pray that soon they will be sharing the gospel and discipling others using their language.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in the Catholic Churches in Equatorial Guinea, moving them to love and good works.

Text Source:   Joshua Project