The Kirdi Peoples of Cameroon and Nigeria

Overview

The Kirdi () are a collection of cultures and ethnic groups inhabiting northwestern Cameroon and northeastern Nigeria. Historically, the term was applied pejoratively to groups that resisted conversion to Islam following Islamic conquests. Derived from the Kanuri word for pagan, the term has been reclaimed by some as a symbol of identity and resistance.

In the 11th century, groups like the Fulani converted to Islam and expanded across West Africa, including Cameroon, where they tried converting local populations. Culturally and linguistically diverse, the Kirdi share more in geographic location (arid steppes and savannahs in the North and Far North regions of Cameroon) than in language or customs.

Estimates of the number of Kirdi groups vary: - 26 (2007) - More than 40 (1977)

Ethnic Groups Considered Kirdi

Includes: Bata, Fali, Fata, Gemjek, Guidar, Giziga, Hurza, Kapsiki, Mada, Mafa, Massa, Matakam, Mofou, Mora, Mousgoum, Muyang, Ouldeme, Podoko, Toupouri, Vame, Zulgo, among others.

They speak Chadic and Adamawa languages.

The term was first used by Denham (1826) who defined Kerdies as "Negroes who have never embraced the Mohammedan faith."

Demographics & Political Representation

Kirdi: 11% of Cameroon's population
Fulani: 10%
Cameroon Highlanders: 31%
Equatorial Bantu: 19%
Northwestern Bantu: 8%
Eastern Nigritic: 7%
Others: 14%

Underrepresented politically, the Kirdi have historically lacked a unified political bloc. However, pressure from rival groups, especially the Fulani, has led to increasing Kirdi political cohesion and a rising demand for representation.

Main Peoples of the Kirdi

Bata

Population: ~13,500
Language: Bata (Chadic)
Religion: Many converted to Islam, others continue traditional practices

Fali

Locations: Northern Cameroon, Northeastern Nigeria
Nigerian Name: Bana
Language: Diverse
Origin: Ngomma people (ancient capital: Timpil)
Religion: Originally monotheistic, now mostly Christian
Culture: Known for vibrant textiles and decorations

Kapsiki

Also known as: Kamwe
Settlement: Villages (2,000–6,000 people)
Economy: Livestock, agriculture, and tourism (notably in Rumsiki)
Resistance: Maintained independence due to geographic isolation

Mafa

Location: Far North Cameroon
Language: Mafa (Chadic)
Innovations:
- Irrigation, drainage systems
- Agroforestry, crop rotation, nutrient management

Mofu

Location: Extreme North Cameroon
Language: Biu–Mandara (Chadic)

Mousgoum

Alternate Names: Musgum, Mulwi
Language: Chadic
Economy: Agricultural (cash crops include groundnuts and cotton)

Tupuri

Region: East of Kaélé, extending into Chad
Language: Tupuri (Chadic)

Zulgo

Language Family: Zulgu-Gezmek, a sub-branch of Chadic

Name Origins and Controversy

"Kirdi": Derived from Kanuri (originally Arabic for monkey), widely used as a pejorative
In Adamawa region, replaced with "Matchoubé" (Fulfulde for slave/servant)
Reclaimed by some under the "kirditude" movement — symbolizing political unity and resistance
Kirditude gained momentum during the 1991 elections, opposing Fulani-dominated politics

Summary of Name Use:

Pejorative origin: "non-Muslim", "slave", "pagan"
Modern meaning: Political unity through shared resistance

History

Fulani Expansion

11th–19th century: Fulani expand into Cameroon
Modibbo Adama, Fulani scholar and jihadist, leads 1806 jihad
- Inspired by Usman dan Fodio
- Converts or conquers local Kirdi groups in Fombina
- Offers ultimatum: Convert or become tributary
- Resistance = Slavery or displacement

Colonialism

European colonizers arrive in 1400s
- British, French, Germans arrive in phases
- Cameroon becomes UN Trusteeship post-WWII

Post-Independence

1960: Cameroon gains independence
Ahmadou Babatoura Ahidjo (Fulani) becomes president (1960–1989)
1972: Transition to one-party state
Kirdi find limited representation in minority parties (e.g., SDF)
Fulani dominate UNDP

Religion

Historically pagan, with monotheistic beliefs (especially among the Fali)
Christianity has grown among Kirdi communities, now forming an emerging Christian political bloc

Islamisation during Fulani Jihad

Modibbo Adama’s jihad transformed the region:
- Fulani became dominant
- Kirdi displaced, enslaved, or converted
Post-jihad:
- Arabic writing, Qur'anic education, and literacy increased
- Landscape changed due to pastoralism and deforestation
Kirdi maintained agricultural lifestyles in contrast to Fulani pastoralism

Disenfranchisement

Under authoritarian regimes (e.g., Ahidjo), Kirdi marginalized
Current religious divide:
- Muslims dominate coastal/Bantu areas
- Kirdi reside mainly in northern savannas

Food

Traditional staple: Fufu
- Made from: Cassava, plantains, yams, malanga
- Sometimes fortified with animal or plant fat
Local staples include:
- Cassava, yams, rice, plantain, maize, beans, millet, cocoyams
- Cultivated: Melons, pumpkins, beans
Foreign influences: British, French, German, Chinese, Italian, Russian cuisines
Urban centers like Yaoundé contribute to food diversity

Medicinal Practices

High mortality rates from:
- Infectious diseases
- Pregnancy/childbirth complications
- Respiratory diseases

Traditional Medicine

Methods: Raw plants, decoctions, fermentation
Example: Cissus quadrangularis
- Used by Fali to wash the dead

Spiritual Practices

Fali Religion

Core Beliefs:
- Muttaf: Omnipotent creator god (cannot be depicted)
- Ona: Earth Mother, synonymous with nature and time
Three realms:
1. Human world
2. Holy deity realm
3. Intermediary realm of spirits and supernatural beings

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Kirdi