The Jiye of South Sudan

Population: <12,000
 
Location and Background: The Jiye people live in the arid flat lowlands of the South East corner of South Sudan in Eastern Equatoria State. They are agri-pastoralists- they grow sorghum and raise cattle, sheep, and goats. The are very closely related to the Toposa of South Sudan and speak the same language. They are also related to the Karamojong of Uganda, Nyang’atom of Ethiopia, and the Turkana of Kenya. Their homeland is bordered by the Toposa to the South and East, the Ngipeta to the North, and the Nginyoro to the West. They have conflict with all these neighbors. 
 
History: The Jiye people originally came from Kotido Najie in the Karamoja region of Uganda. They left the area in search of water and pasture. They passed through several areas, but moved on after being attacked by the Toposa. They settled in Naliimtiira for a while and grew, but were eventually driven off by neighboring tribes (the Nginyoro and Ngipeta). Their leader, Natuliasia, advised them to divide into four groups to avoid being attacked as a large group. These four groups eventually became the clans of today: The Ngikurono, who worship wood ash and live in Lorumute; the Ngisirae, who worship the cheetah and live in Kesegor Hill; the Ngimokodol, who worship the millipede and live in Lopeat; and the Ngitarakaboon, who worship the hyena and also live in Lopeat.
 
Culture: The Jiye are fierce warriors. They compete with the Toposa for water and pasture. They engage in cattle rustling. They pierce and scar their bodies as marks of beauty. The women wear beaded head bands in colors which represent the clan of their husband.
 
Religion: The Jiye are ATR (animists)- they believe in a supreme being named Apayok, who resides in a crater in Mt Kesegor. They believe if you commit an offense against him, Apayok will not give you water when you visit him there. They believe Apayok sent a sorcerer named Natidiita to protect and guide them. They also believe in the spirits of their ancestors, with whom they communicate through a medium.

Latest Prayer Updates:

Need water

Feb 28, 2025 |

Many of the Jiye people have been forced to move from their location in search of water during this harsh dry season. Unfortunately, I have just received a heartbreaking update:

“Pray for Jiye—two people have lost their lives in the struggle for water between the Mongols and the Jiye.”- reported by Simon
Please lift up the Jiye community in prayer. Pray for God’s provision of water, protection over their people, and peace in the midst of this crisis. May the Lord bring comfort to those grieving and open doors for lasting solutions to these challenges.

Projects

Jan 10, 2025 |

Keep praying for the Jiye church that the Lord will sustain them and guide them in obedience. We have seen much fruit recently. The government is currently working on a large dam project at Lopeat. Meanwhile, the translation team, led by Amoni, has completed the book of Jonah and the book of Mark, and they are now working on the book of Luke. They are also preparing for the Jesus Film. Keep praying for the team, the disciples, and the leaders- Loumwa and Amoni. Your prayers are greatly appreciated for Jiye people.

More Updates
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People Groups

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Downloadable Resources

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30 Day Prayer Journey

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Africa Inland Mission

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