Tuareg, Asben in Niger
Photo Source:
Link Up Africa
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Map Source:
Bryan Nicholson / cartoMission
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| People Name: | Tuareg, Asben |
| Country: | Niger |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 196,000 |
| World Population: | 196,000 |
| Primary Language: | Tamajeq, Tayart |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 1.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.80 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Online Audio NT: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Tuareg |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Tuareg are a Berber people, with the name "Tuareg" coming from the Berber name for a specific Libyan province. Some people regard the name Tuareg derisive. Tuareg groups have subgroups with different languages. For example, the Asben Tuareg speak Tayart Tamajeq.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Asben Tuareg are a nomadic people, occupying large areas of desert and the Sahel. Each Tuareg clan is made up of several family groups, led by their collective chief. In Tuareg society women do not traditionally wear the veil, whereas men do. The veil is often blue, and it can stain their skin. Tuareg women have great freedom and participate in family and tribal decisions.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They have been Muslim for generations but have preserved many pre-Islamic traditions. Islam is central to their identity, posing a barrier to the gospel.
What Are Their Needs?
Spiritual access to the Asben Tuareg is limited, both because of the terrain and by the strongly held Muslim beliefs of the people.
The New Testament and gospel recordings are available in the Tayart Tamajeq language. Christian radio would be useful for these people who are often moving about.
Prayer Points
Pray the Tuareg tribes will have abundant rainfall for their herds and crops as a testimony of God's love and power.
Pray for peaceful relations with neighboring tribes, and with the governments of Niger and Mali.
Pray that the few Asben Tuareg believers will be salt and light to those around them.
Pray for a movement of Tuareg disciples who make more disciples who make even more disciples.
Pray for Asben Tuareg people to be open to the ways of Jesus Christ.