The Kunama people

The Kunama people are an ethnic group primarily residing in the western part of Eritrea, near the border with Ethiopia. With an estimated population of around 260,000, the Kunama make up about 4% of Eritrea’s total population. They are predominantly found in the Gash-Barka region, which is characterized by its remote and isolated landscape between the Gash and Setit rivers. There is also a smaller Kunama population in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, although their numbers have significantly declined over the years.

 

The Kunama have a rich historical background that dates back to early recorded accounts. The earliest written references to the Kunama come from the 9th-century Arab geographer Ya’qubi, who described them as living on the eastern borders of Alodia. Later, the 10th-century geographer Ibn Hawqal noted their use of bows and poisoned arrows, their lack of shields, and their worship of a deity named Anna. The Kunama were historically known for their resistance against invasions and raids from neighboring groups, including the Tigrayans and Abyssinians. They were also victims of slave raids and military campaigns, such as those led by the Tigrayan warlord Ras Alula in the late 19th century.

In the 20th century, during the Eritrean War of Independence, the Kunama were unique in their support for Ethiopian rule, a position that led to their villages being spared from some of the conflict’s devastation. They faced numerous challenges, including raids by rebel groups and displacement during the Ethiopian-Eritrean War (1998–2000). The Kunama practice a blend of Islam, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs, reflecting their diverse cultural heritage and historical experiences.