Sahrawi in Libya

Introduction / History

Originally, the Sahrawi were desert nomads who traveled from place to place with their camels. Today, they can be found in the desert in southern Morocco, in the Western Sahara region, in the north of Mauritania, in Algerian refugee camps, and in the Canary Islands. A sub-group of the Moors, the Sahrawi are of mixed Berber, Arab and black African descent. Western Sahara was a Spanish colony, but Spain pulled out in 1976. Then Morocco and Mauritania invaded the former colony. Mauritania pulled out in 1979 but Moroccan troops still occupy the territory. A small number of them fled to Libya to escape fighting during a time when Libya was more peaceful than it is today.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sahrawi society consists of four main groups: warriors; marabouts, or holy people; tribute payers, who pay taxes to the higher classes; and black slaves. Craftsmen and musicians form separate, low-caste groups. In the past, differences in social class were clearly marked. The eight Sahrawi tribes were constantly at odds with one another, struggling for supremacy. Fighting, robbery, and revenge were the means of surviving drought and plagues. Peace through negotiation always followed. Today, classes serve more as a means of identification rather than a way of life. Some Sahrawi are herdsmen, others are traders, and still others are warriors. However, all speak an Arabic dialect called Hassaniya. In addition, their religion, way of life, and dress are Arabic in flavor and style.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While many pre-Islamic beliefs still exist among the Sahrawi, they like to think of themselves as pure Muslims, though they are not that orthodox. Like most North African groups, they hold to beliefs that certain dead Muslim teachers have a power that can be accessed for healing through pilgrimage to their grave sites. Some scholars have mentioned that the Sahrawi also worship a god known as Sidi Erbbi, who is paternal and full of life.

What Are Their Needs?

There's a serious need for peace so these people can go home. Libya is also in a state of war, so they are in a bad position no matter where they live.

Prayer Points

Pray for peace in the Western Sahara. Ask God for the formation of Bible believing fellowships in Libya among this people group. Pray that the Sahrawi would come to see Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace and flee to him for refuge. Pray for Christ's ambassadors to go to these Muslims, bearing the sin-forgiving Savior.

Text Source:   Joshua Project