The Toposa of South Sudan
Pray for the Toposa of South Sudan. They are one of the largest groups in South Sudan, but are being marginalised by the government. They live in a dry rugged land and raise cattle. They are often in conflict with other groups and raid cattle from across the Kenyan and Ugandan borders. They are traditionally animists, praying and making sacrifices through a medium.
Population: 700,000-1 million
Location and Background: One of the largest tribal groups in S. Sudan, the Toposa live in organized villages in an arid, rugged, hilly land with vegetation of shrubs and grass, and seasonal streams.
History: The Toposa are part of the Ateker cluster, believing they moved away from the Losolia Mountains in Uganda due to drought. They believe that when the first people (Murle and Didinga) arrived they cheated the Toposa by taking the gazelle meat and leaving only soup for the Toposa. This precipitated the split. Successive governments in Khartoum and Juba have marginalized the Toposa. At some point they were armed by the north to fight the SPLA but later changed sides. They have regular disputes with other groups in their area, and also raid tribes in Kenya and Uganda.
Culture: A patrilineal society, cultural norms and values are passed to children early. Culture is transmitted orally through songs, dance, music, poems and folklore. Much has to do with the accumulation and keeping of large herds of cattle. The boys are put in age-sets and taught to herd. The girls look after the home, and care for the elderly and smaller siblings. Men wear a draped cloth, and women wear leather skirts embellished with colored beads. Both men and women scar their bodies. The young men are proud of the beauty of their hair. They abhor the practice of circumcision. Interestingly, they do not count people or animals. They share certain totems and body marks, and they come together for social occasions such as dances, marriages, funerals and cattle raids. Decisions are made by the men as a community. Respect for elders is mandatory.
Religion: The Toposa believe in the existence of a supreme being and the spirits of departed ones. They pray and make sacrifices, using a medium. Chiefs, sub-chiefs, medicine men, and witchdoctors all wield administrative and spiritual power. They believe chiefs are nearer to God by virtue of their wisdom.
Learn more about the Toposa at Joshua Project or about South Sudan at their official website.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Cycle of Violence
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.
Growth and Passion
Toposa of South Sudan: Praise the Lord that the churches among the Toposa are currently strong and growing. Pastors are actively reaching out to other congregations and crossing into new regions. We are thankful that there are young leaders who are deeply passionate about discipleship. There is an urgent need for audio Bibles to aid in their ministry. We have had various health challenges—including malaria, fevers, and snake bites—that are severely affecting the ongoing ministry work. Please pray for more workers to join the harvest. Pray for God’s provision of necessary Bibles, medicine, and physical strength for those on the ground.
