The Soninke people

The Soninke people, also known as Sarakollé or Aswanik, are a West African ethnic group with a rich historical and cultural heritage. They primarily inhabit regions in Mali, southern Mauritania, eastern Senegal, The Gambia, and Guinea, particularly in Fouta Djallon. The Soninke speak the Soninke language, also called Serakhulle or Azer, which is part of the larger Mande language family.

The Soninke are historically significant as the founders of the ancient Ghana Empire, also known as Wagadou, which thrived from around 200 CE to 1240 CE. This powerful empire was located in present-day Mali and Mauritania, and its influence extended across much of West Africa. After the collapse of the Ghana Empire, the Soninke people were dispersed across the region, with many establishing thriving communities in countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and even further afield in the Republic of Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria.

The Soninke were among the first ethnic groups in West Africa to embrace Islam, converting as early as the 10th century. Islam became deeply embedded in their cultural and religious practices, including traditional rites of marriage and circumcision. Today, the majority of Soninke people are Sunni Muslims. The Soninke social structure includes elements of stratification, with distinct roles for various social classes, which is reflective of their ancient imperial past.

In addition to their Islamic practices, the Soninke have maintained strong cultural ties to their Mandé roots, sharing traditions, music, and dance with other Mande-speaking groups. The subgroups of the Soninke include the Jakhanke, Maraka, and Wangara. These communities, particularly the Wangara, have historically been known for their trading networks, which contributed to the spread of Soninke influence across West Africa. Today, the Soninke population is estimated to exceed 2 million, continuing to uphold their rich cultural and religious traditions.