The Fongoro of Sudan
Population: 17,000 living in Sudan
Location and Background: The Fongoro or “Forgy” as they call themselves, live in a remote area bordering Sudan and Chad. They are at risk of being assimilated by the Fur people.
History: The Fongoro people were originally part of the Fur ethnic group or Fur Tribe in western Sudan Darfur region. Around 1845 there was war between the Arab and Fur, and the Fongoro left their indigenous place and moved to southern part of Darfur in Radoum, Baher Alrab. Eventually, some of them moved to Raja in South Sudan. In addition to war, the Fongoro fled toward the South as the Turkish empire was imposing Islam on people in Darfur at that time. Most of the Fur were Old Testament believers and some were Christians who rejected Islam and ran away from the areas where the Turkish Empire had power. They stayed together as groups and later on they developed their own language, which is very similar to Fur language. They have a similar culture and look like the Fur.
Culture: The Fongoro ethnic group is divided into clans. All of them speak the same language, practice the same customs, and depend upon farming and goats and cattle. They marry more than one wife.
Religions: Majority are Muslims plus African traditional religion; very few of the new generation have accepted Jesus.
Latest Prayer Updates:
May the Gospel reach them
Sudan is full of UPG’s. Pray for the Gospel to reach them, in spite of the turmoil of war! Pray for pastors and preachers in South Sudan and Sudan to boldly teach the reality of God’s forgiveness of sinners through Christ’s death, and the joy of forgiving others as God has forgiven us. Pray for God to graciously pour out His Holy Spirit and open people’s hearts to His call of mercy, that people may trust His promise of grace and set their hearts on obeying Him.
Implement plans
Pray for the graduating leaders of the Darfur Leaders Institute as they return to Sudan and implement their plans for reaching their communities for Christ. Pray for protection and continued reliance on God and his Word. Pray for relief efforts to bear fruit as the need for food, supplies, education, medical care, trauma healing and security intensify.
