Affinity Group: Northern African and Middle Eastern Peoples

Affinity Bloc: Arab World

People Cluster: Tuareg

Language: Tamasheq - (taq)

Alternate Name(s):

Primary Religion: Islam - Folk Islam

Country: Mali

Also found in: Burkina Faso; Mauritania; Niger

Population: 579,000

Global Population: 917,500

Progress of the Gospel: Engaged yet Unreached

Global Status of Evangelical Christianity: Less than 2% Evangelical, No Active CP Activity

Overview: The Timbuktu Tamasheq of Mali, numbering 579,000, are Engaged yet Unreached. They are part of the Tuareg people cluster within the Arab World affinity bloc. Globally, this group totals 917,500 in 4 countries. Their primary language is Tamasheq. The primary religion practiced by the Timbuktu Tamasheq is Folk Islam, a syncretistic belief system that blends traditional elements of Islam with superstitious practices such as warding off spirits with incantations and magic amulets, and reciting verses of the Qur'an to bring about miraculous healings.

Bible Translations: Available

Jesus Film: Available

Gospel Recordings: Available

Radio Broadcast: Available