| · Lebou Population: 150,000
| · Habitation: coasts of Senegal, especially around Dakar
| · Activities: mainly fishing
| · Religion: Folk Islam 99 per cent
| · Conversions to Christianity: fewer than 10
Recently, some missionaries went to a Lebou village. They presented themselves to the Lebou saying, "We are followers of Jesus Christ." The people responded saying, "Oh, Jesus we know about him. Here is his portrait on the wall. He is buried in a neighbouring village."
How can this be? The Lebou people are predominated by the Muslim brotherhood Layenne, who believe that Mohammed and Jesus came among the Lebou slightly over 100 years ago, reincarnated in the persons of Seydina Laye (1843-1909) and Issa (Jesus) Rohou Laye (1909-1949). These two individuals have been followed by other religious leaders called caliphs. At the present time Cherif Abdoulahi is the caliph of the Mahdi (reincarnation of the prophet Mohammed, Seydina Laye). You can read more about this belief at the website www.layene.sn.
Dakar Peninsula
The Lebou have been living on the Dakar peninsula since the 18th century. They built fortifications around their new realm and in 1795 created an independent republic. A well-organised government still exists among the Lebou. The majority of landholders in Dakar are Lebou; Dakar-based Lebou even think, "We own Dakar." One possible meaning of the name "Lebou" is "a warrior who does not accept domination". Certainly the Lebou are strongly attached to their cultural identity and independence. Only those who live like the Lebou are considered to be Lebou.
Occult
There are strong occult practices among the Lebou. Through Islam the Lebou understand that there is a creator God. However, they believe that this God is not accessible to humans. The Lebou believe that there is a supernatural world which governs their destiny, and prefer to communicate with the spirits called "rab" who came from the sea. These beings seem to be closer to them physically and emotionally than the creator God. The Lebou perform various kinds of sacrifices to appease the spirits and bind themselves in covenants with them. Each Lebou is bound to a "rab" who accompanies him. The "rab" can be either good or bad, and can cause sickness, paralysis or folly. It can kill a person or give blessing and protection. If a person is troubled by his "rab" a ceremony exists to help the person to be reconciled with his accompanying spirit. During such ceremonies - which include dances and singing - some people enter into trances and sacrifice bulls or other animals. The ceremony is directed by a sorcerer.
There are some evangelical missions working among the Lebou. Several Lebou have indicated a genuine desire to know more about Jesus and the Bible. Some have had dreams and visions from the Lord.
Flag of Senegal
Map of Senegal
Prayer Guide for the Lebou in Senegal:
* Pray for revelations of God among the Lebou.
* Pray that the Lebou will be delivered from the powers of darkness.
* Pray that resistance to the gospel among this people will be overcome by a true desire to follow God.
* Pray for God to give perseverance to the Christians who are seeking to bring the gospel to the Lebou.
Background on Senegal (World Factbook)
Independent from France in 1960, Senegal was ruled by the Socialist Party for forty years until current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982, but the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. A southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces since 1982, but Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping.
Economy of Senegal
Annual inflation had been pushed down to the low single digits. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High unemployment, however, continues to prompt illegal migrants to flee Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Senegal was also beset by an energy crisis that caused widespread blackouts in 2006. Senegal still relies heavily upon outside donor assistance. Senegal has benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral, multilateral, and private-sector debt. Protests began in 2010 and more are likely and economic activity will be hindered.
Statistics on Senegal
Population: 12,643,799 (July 2011 est.) World Rank #71
Life expectancy at birth: 59.42 years. World Rank #188
Ethnic groups: Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%
Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%
Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
Literacy: 39.3% male: 51.1% female: 29.2%
School life expectancy: 8 years
Video: Senegal Troubles
Why people are leaving Senegal
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The curse of the Earth is people who lack RESPECT for the rights of other people to know GOD on their own terms and to serve GOD in their own way. This is only second to "do gooders" who think they have been given a command by their diety to convert everyone around the world to a religion conceived in deception and dark forces. The history of which is one of lies, bloodshead, enslavement, control, and manipulation.
The whole world would be a better place if Christians just took their own medicine and healed themselves; left peaceful, indigeneous people alone; and went to their own heaven or hell when they died.
Without this religion, we would have had a different world history and many indigeneous people would still be alive for us to know and share their cultures.
This is about GREED & CONTROL, not about GOD. I think these people know not any GOD. Neither Jesus, nor his Father have sanctioned this missionary work. Conversion is all part of a hidden agenda. Your book says "ye shall know them by their works." Your history speaks for itself.
I agree with you 100% C Smith-Brown everyone should be left to honor the creator on their on terms. The amazing this is how many people will be surprised on the last day about who was right and who was wrong. People who have had their traditions longer than Christianity are now told something is wrong with what they do by new jacks. Its so funny. The amazing thing is how everyone else in the world adheres to the very same concepts as the Lebou but the western world.
Pray for the handful of Lbou believers!