As the largest ethnic group in Mali, the Bambara are among the most powerful and influential groups in the country. They can be found in the middle valley of the Niger River. Two Bambara kingdoms, Segu and Karta, existed during the eighteenth century. Militant Muslims overthrew these kingdoms in the nineteenth century, but a few Bambara warlords continued resisting until the French arrived forty years later.

The Khasonke are mostly farmers. However, in recent years, sweeping ecological changes in the area, such as drought and overgrazing, have greatly disrupted their agricultural way of life.

What are their lives like?
The staple crop of the Khasonke is millet, but sorghum, groundnuts, and fonio (sorghum-like grain) are also produced. Maize, tobacco, manioc, and many vegetables are grown in gardens. Farm work is done by both men and women, although the women arrive at the fields later and leave earlier than the men in order to prepare the morning and evening meals. Children between the ages of twelve and fourteen are used to lead the oxen as they plow and to guard them during rest.

The Khasonke also raise animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and chickens. They generally use neighboring Fulani herdsmen to care for their livestock, thus freeing themselves to concentrate on farming during the short rainy season. Hunting is another common activity, and antelope, boar, ostrich, and guinea fowl are killed for their meat and skins. In addition, honey is gathered from the wild bees in the area.

Khasonke villages consist of a number of different households, usually all from one lineage or extended family. Each gwa (household) provides protection and help in farming for all its members. The members of the gwa work together every day except Monday, which is market day and the traditional day of rest. The houses of the Khasonke are somewhat larger than those of other groups in West Africa, with the largest containing sixty or more people.

Children provide the household's labor force and ensure the future of the lineage. As a result, the average Khasonke woman has eight children. Marriages, therefore, are very important and are viewed almost as an investment. All adults are married, and it is considered strange that some from neighboring groups remain single. Even elderly widows in their seventies or eighties have suitors. The women are obliged to accept one of them, since a wife increases the prestige of a man.

Illiteracy is a major problem of the Khasonke. Some Islamic schools have been established, but most villages fail to educate their children because their help is needed on the farm.

What are their beliefs?
Mali is 86% Muslim, with the northern part of the country being the most dominant Muslim region. The majority of the Khasonke are Malikite Muslims. As such, they adhere to the five basic "pillars," or duties, of the Muslim faith. These include affirming that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet;" daily prayers; almsgiving; fasting during certain periods of time; and making a pilgrimage to Mecca, if possible.

What are their needs?
The recent drought in Mali has caused serious problems for the Khasonke. Also, more schools and an emphasis on literacy are desperately needed. Christian teachers and agriculturists would find many opportunities of ministry in Mali.

The Bible, Christian broadcasts, and the Jesus film are not yet available to the Khasonke. However, five missions agencies are currently working among them. Further evangelistic work, a translation of the Bible, and prayer are all needed to see them won to Christ.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to call Christian educators who are willing to minister the love of Jesus to the Khasonke of Mali.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom, favor, and unity to the five missions agencies that are targeting the Khasonke.
• Pray that Christian broadcasts, evangelical literature, and the Jesus film will be made available to the Khasonke.
• Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Khasonke through dreams and visions.
• Pray that God will raise up strong leaders among the Khasonke believers who will be capable of discipling others.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Khasonke bound.
• Ask God to call prayer warriors who will stand in the gap for the Khasonke.
• Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Khasonke church for the glory of His name!

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Khasonke
• Country: Mali
• Their language: kassonke
• Population: (1990) 116,300
  (1995) 136,300
  (2000) 158,500
• Largest religion: Muslim (Malakite) 92%
  Ethnic religionist 4%
  Nonreligious 1.3%
• Christians: 2.7%
• Church members: 3,679
• Scriptures in their own language: None
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: None
• Mission agencies working among this people: None
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 39,100 (29%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 11,900 (9%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 27,200 (20%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 97,200 (71%)

• Country: Mali
• Population: (1990) 9,211,700
  (1995) 10,795,300
  (2000) 12,599,300
• Major peoples in size order: Bambara 31.4%
  Fula Macina 9.6%
  Soninke 7.4%
  Sanghai 6.3%
• Major religions: Muslim 85.3%
  Ethnic religionist 12%
  Christian 2.7%
• Number of denominations: 18