Day 19: Swahili Muslims in DRC, Burundi and Rwanda

Photo of woman in black hijab by Luciano Rizzello on Unsplash
  • Population: 57,000 in the Democratic Republic of Congo; 14,000 in Burundi; 6,500 in Rwanda
  • Language: Swahili
  • Religious Background: Islam
  • In DRC: 4% Followers of Jesus (1% Evangelical). In Burundi and Rwanda: 0% Followers of Jesus
  • Bible Translation: Complete

The word “Swahili” came from the Arabic word for coast, and the language is spoken through much of East Africa. The Swahili Muslims of DRC, Rwanda and Burundi are economically well off by African standards. Although being Muslim is engrained into their identity, the Swahili Muslims in these countries hold to some of their pre-Islamic animistic beliefs.

Prayer Request:

Pray for protection for all people — including GT field partners — who live and work in region of DRC that has been invaded by a M23, a violent, dangerous rebel group. Pray that our work reaching the Swahili Muslims can continue to bear fruit, even amidst political and economic chaos. Pray that DRC and Rwanda will be at peace and that the demand for minerals will not bring evil to the people. Pray that GT will be able to establish a base in Burundi.

Learn more: For more information, click on the Joshua Project profiles for the Swahili Muslims in Burundi, Rwanda and DRC.