Who are the Fulbe

An essay by the outgoing JCMWA General Secretary.

Even if we begin to understand the diversity among Fulbe, the existence of what we might call Fulbe sub-cultures, there remains among the Fulbe an insistence on unity. Throughout West Africa and Central Africa there is a strong common sentiment expressed by the phrase “fulbe fof ko gootum” (Fulbe are all one). “Fulbe fof ko gootum” is a familiar refrain, usually said with a mild gesture touching the pointer finger to the veins of the inner forearm. The unity of Fulbe is a popular slogan for the Fulbe renaissance movement, a subject of song.

Geography

Fulbe live throughout West Africa, from Senegal in the West to the Sudan Republic in the East. Typically, the Fulbe live in a geographical are known as the Sahel. Older literature sometimes called this area the Sudan or Western Sudan, but that usage is archaic since the creation of the Sudan Republic sometimes referred to in the past as the Sudan but is now commonly known as the Sahel.

History

At a certain point, the historian has to admit the origin of the Fulbe is beyond our capacities to prove for certain. The earliest written references to them are in 11^th century Arabic literature, and the earliest European sources are from the early 15^th century.

Pulaaku and well being

Is all well with my self (my inner and my outer self ) ?

Integrity for a Pullo is summarized by three concepts that define correct behavior for the Fulbe. Behaving according to these three principles results in dignity while behaving contrarily results in shame.

Religion : controlling negative forces with traditional tools

Fulbe believe negative forces, both natural and supernatural, exist. Western epistemology has come to insist on science as the only basis for beliefs, but Christians in the Western context should appreciate Biblical teachings on principalities and forces of evil. Non-Western Christians more easily accept the existence of a supernatural realm.

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