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:

Cycle of Violence

Jul 2, 2026 | ,

Toposa and Jiye of South Sudan: Violence between these peoples has continued as conflict over cattle has led to bloodshed in several communities. Long-standing tribal tensions have brought grief and instability to families already facing many hardships. Pray that God would bring reconciliation between the Toposa and Jiye peoples, end the cycle of violence!  Pray for the Lord to raise up peacemakers who know the Prince of Peace. Ask that the Gospel would transform hearts and bring lasting hope to the Toposa and Jiye peoples.

New Oral Translation Programme

Jun 10, 2026 |

Jiye of South Sudan: Praise the Lord that there is active evangelism taking place in the region, especially through visiting teams. God is opening up new areas for ministry among cattle camps, and old churches are currently being restored. Additionally, an Oral Bible Translation programme will be launching soon for the area.  Pray for the challenges of long distances and poor communication networks that make consistent follow-up difficult. Local communities face severe hunger and thirst, leader training remains inadequate, and a conservative mindset is slowing down the progress of new work. Please pray that kindness and love will prevail among the people. Pray also that the necessary resources for transport, food, and training will be provided to open this entire area for the Gospel.

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Africa Inland Mission

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