Introduction / History

Their language, Duala, largely defines the Duala. It is in the Niger Congo language family. They are related to several other coastal tribes in Cameroon. They were the dominant tribe.

They trace their ancestry to one man, Mbedi. In the 1500s, the Duala emerged as a seagoing trading people. They sold slaves until the British stopped that practice in the 1800s. The British also tried to mold the Duala into their way of thinking through education. Starting in the 1880s, the Duala were caught between English and German colonial powers. After Germany lost WWI, the Duala territory was ceded to France. After WWII, the United Nations encouraged the process of de-colonization in Africa. This process took about 25 years.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Duala who live in urban areas often live by charging rent on properties, running small businesses or through a trade. There are both skilled and unskilled workers among them.

Those in rural areas are farmers and fishermen. In their free time, the Duala enjoy racing pirogues, small canoe-like boats.

Inheritance is divided between sons after the father dies. Traditionally, the Duala were polygamists, but this stopped when Christianity was introduced.

What Are Their Beliefs?

About three-fourths identify as Christian. Many are Baptists. They have been mainly Christians since the 1930s. The Church is strong enough among the Duala that they can send workers to the less reached in Cameroon and surrounding countries.

What Are Their Needs?

The Duala need better schools and hospitals in the rural areas. As often happens, rural medical clinics are lacking.

Prayer Points

Pray for adequate medical clinics in rural Cameroon.
Pray for Duala Christians to disciple others who will disciple more people.
Pray for a Holy Spirit revival to refresh Duala churches and use Christian believers to be salt and light to others.

Scripture Prayers for the Duala, Uli in Cameroon.

References

https://101lasttribes.com/tribes/duala.html