Bideyat in Sudan

Introduction / History

The Bideyat and the Zaghawa are names given by the Arabs, but they call themselves the 'Béri '. The Bideyat could be described as northern Béri, and the Zaghawa as southern Béri. The Béri are also numerous in Sudan.

In times past there was a great Béri Kingdom. In the twelfth century they are believed to have occupied most of Chad between Chari and Fezzan, between Kawar and Darfur.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Herds of cattle and camels are a very important part of life for the Bideyat people. Livestock gifts are part of a bride price. The Bideyat are more associated with nomadic camel herding and the Zaghawa associated with cattle as sedentary stock producers.

The local ecology is very important to peoples like the Bideyat who depend on cattle and other livestock. Without adequate water, their cattle (and the people themselves) cannot survive. Sometimes entire Bideyat villages have moved to places where they can find water. Sometimes this means moving to urban areas like Abéché and Ndjamena.

What Are Their Beliefs?

When Islam came to the Bideyat from the seventeenth century onwards, many were less than responsive to Islam because of their strong ancient belief system, and some pre-Islamic rituals survive until this day. Even though increasingly more of the Bideyat tribes have abandoned the traditional religious beliefs passed on by their ancestors, now most of the Bideyat claim to be Muslims. Only some of the elderly are observing traditional religious practices.

What Are Their Needs?

Not only do they live in a dry area physically, but spiritually, they are still waiting for the Spirit of God to birth life in Jesus Christ amongst them.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Bideyat people to experience and understand God’s provision.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers.
Pray for a “Book of Acts” type of movement to Christ among the Bideyat people in Sudan and Chad.
Pray for Bideyat disciples who will disciple others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project