Tobanga in Chad

Introduction / History

The numerous Baggara tribes of northern Sudan share many cultural characteristics and claim a common ancestry. All of them speak an Arabic dialect known as Baggari that can be understood by both Arabic and Sudanese Arabic speakers. Their name comes from the Arabic word bagar, which means "cow," and refers to the various Arab tribes in Sudan (and surrounding nations), who herd cattle.

Over the centuries, Baggara tribes have become widely scattered across the plains of North Central Africa. Different groups tend to be concentrated in certain regions, but there are no purely Baggara areas. One Baggara subgroup is the Tobanga, a tribe with their own language by the same name.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Tobanga are herdsmen. Their herds are comprised primarily of cattle, although they do raise a few sheep and goats. Camels are kept for riding and as pack animals.

The nomadic Tobanga live in camp units called furgan. Members of the furgan generally belong to one or more family line. The Tobanga live in simple, dome-shaped tents, which are portable structures that can be easily packed and moved with the herds. The tents are built by placing saplings into holes in the ground, then bending them over and tying them at the top. Smaller branches are tied into the frame, then covered with thatch or canvas mats. The tents are arranged in a circle, into which the cattle are brought for the night.

Although most Tobanga tribes are nomadic, there are some that live in farming communities or towns. Their houses are built of mud bricks and have thatched roofs. Corrals for the young animals are built inside the compounds. Grazing land is usually shared, but farm land is owned individually.

The Tobanga are somewhat unusual in that the women work to provide the income needed to maintain the households. They earn cash by milking the cows and selling the milk or milk products. Their earnings are either kept or spent on household items. A married woman owns the tent as well as all of its housekeeping contents. The men are primarily involved with caring for the herds. They also plant and harvest the crops.

Tobanga marriages are often polygamous. If a man has two wives, one may live in a pastoral camp, while the other lives in a farming village. They prefer cross-counselor marriages. The future husband and his near relatives provide a bride price. Part of this money is used to purchase household items, while some of it is used to buy food for the marriage celebration that takes place in the bride's camp. After the wedding, the newlyweds live near the bride's parents. Later, they move to a place chosen by the husband. On this occasion, the groom's family provides another feast.

Tobanga society is patrilineal, which means that the line of descent is traced through the males. Traditionally, each camp is headed by a male leader called shaykh. Although this position is generally inherited, all of the adult male members of a camp must agree on the man who is to fill the position. The shaykh does not rule the camp but rather acts as the spokesperson for the decision-making males of the camp. However, he may also have a considerable amount of influence, depending on his wisdom and economic status.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tobanga hold various religious celebrations and also place importance on many life stage transitions. However, a little more than half are Christian. They differ from the Baggara tribes, who are almost entirely Muslim.

What Are Their Needs?

Very little evangelization has been done among the Tobanga and other Baggara tribes. The people are so devoted to the Islamic faith, very few have decided to follow Jesus. In addition, the nomadic lifestyle of many of the Baggara makes it very difficult for missionaries to reach them.

There is a great need for qualified laborers to live and work among these Muslims. Concentrated prayer and evangelism efforts are necessary in order to reach their hearts with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will raise up long-term workers to join those who have already responded.
Ask God to encourage and protect the small number of Tobanga people who have become Christian believers.
Pray for adequate discipleship and that many Tobangas will disciple others.
Pray for the Tobanga people to reach to Baggara peoples with the gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong fellowships of believers among the Tobanga.

Text Source:   Joshua Project