People
Where the gospel has not yet reached this people
370K people from this group live in countries where they remain unreached or minimally reached:
-
Mali Unreached
370.000 people
Who they are
The Red Bobo, also known as the Bwa, inhabit the savannas of West Africa, mainly in the border regions between Mali and Burkina Faso. Belonging to the Gur language family, they preserve a rich cultural heritage shaped by communal life and attachment to their homeland.
Their identity is expressed through the Bomu language and the preservation of oral traditions passed down through generations. Although they have faced outside pressures over time, they maintain strong community ties and deep respect for kinship bonds and the leadership of village elders.
Where they live
2
Countries
515K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
|
Mali Unreached
|
71.8%
|
370.000 |
Burkina Faso Significantly reached
|
28.2%
|
145.000 |
How they live
Daily life among the Red Bobo revolves around subsistence farming by families. They mainly grow millet, sorghum, and peanuts in challenging soils, supplementing their income by raising small livestock and making traditional crafts.
Villages are organized under the moral leadership of land chiefs and councils of elders. Communal work in the fields strengthens mutual solidarity, while local festivities celebrate the harvests with dancing, drumming, and folk art.
What they believe
Most of the population practices Sunni Islam, which often blends with the customs and rituals of traditional African religion. Fear of nature spirits and reverence for ancestors remain strong influences on everyday decisions.
There is also an active Christian presence in the community. For many, faith is tied to family honor and collective rites, making the search for spiritual meaning both a communal and a personal journey.
Religions of the unreached
Islam65%
Ethnic Religions30%
Christianity5%
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Bomu
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)11.5%
Evangelicals3.4%
Needs
Limited access to basic health services, safe drinking water, and quality schools poses challenges for many rural families. Periods of drought and regional instability affect food security and daily livelihoods.
Spiritually, local Christians need in-depth biblical discipleship and resources in their mother tongue to grow in maturity and bear loving witness among their relatives.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo fortalecimento e maturidade dos crentes locais entre os bobos-vermelhos.
Pela ampla distribuição e compreensão das Escrituras na língua bomu.
Por sabedoria e coragem para as famílias cristãs compartilharem o evangelho com seus vizinhos.
Por chuvas regulares e boas colheitas para as comunidades que dependem da agricultura de subsistência.
Pelo surgimento de igrejas saudáveis e lideradas por obreiros locais em cada vilarejo.
Pray for Red Bobo
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar