Northeast Africa
Kuka
Population: 148,000
Language: Arabic
The Kuka are virtually 100% Muslim. They have been strongly influenced by the nearby Muslim Arab merchants, with whom they trade on a regular basis. Although some of their pre-Islamic practices are still observed, Muslim laws and traditions are strongly followed in conjunction with those practices.
Guhayna
Population: 1,350,000
Language: Sudanese Arabic
The Guhayna are one of three main groups of Arabs who live in the White Nile/Sudan area. The historical link between Arabs and the Muslim religion is still strong. There are few Sudanese Arab Christians and converts are not well-accepted. While there have been Christian workers in Sudan for many years, most concentrate on reaching the southern Sudanese and neglect the country’s Muslim majority.
Rashaida
Population; 152,000
Language: Gulf Spoken Arabic
The Rashaida migrated to Eritrea from Saudi Arabia about 150 years ago after being expelled. They are primarily nomadic, though the men are excellent traders, Islam is at the core of Rashaida culture, and due to their mobile lifestyle, a family prayer house is central to their worship. Until recently, no known Christians were numbered among them.
Tigre
Population: 1,305,000
Language: Tigre
The Tigre are traditionally nomadic shepherds who live in Eritrea and northeastern Sudan. They are distinguished from other regional peoples by the fact that they possess hereditary slaves. Although the Tigre profess to be Sunni Muslims, most of them practice folk Islam, which is a blend of Islam and ethnic beliefs. The Tigre also believe in an evil spirit named Zar, who possesses people and causes accidents, illnesses and sometimes death. The people depend on shamans (priests) to cure the sick, communicate with the spirits and control events. The shamans also exorcise demons and perform services by entering into a trance.
Afar
Population: 428,000
Language: Afar
The Afar are a proud people, emphasizing a man’s strength and bravery. Prestige comes, as it always has, from killing one’s enemies. Most of the Afar are nomads who herd sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Early in their history, the Afar were heavily influenced by the Islamic religion, and Islam is still held in great esteem today.