Aka in Sudan

The Aka have only been reported in Sudan
Population
Main Language
Aka
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Aka people of Sudan, are part of the Nilotic people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. They are indigenous to the Jebel Silak region, southwest of the Ingessana Hills in the An Nil al Azraq state. Their primary language is Berta, although some sources also refer to a language called Aka (SOH), which may be a dialect or closely related language.Historically, the Aka have maintained a distinct ethnic identity, with limited integration into broader Sudanese society. Their isolation has contributed to the preservation of their language and traditional customs.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Aka live in a remote mountainous region, which shapes much of their lifestyle. Their communities are typically small and rural, relying on subsistence agriculture, hunting, and gathering. Social structures are likely to be clan-based, with strong ties to ancestral traditions and oral history.Due to their geographic isolation, the Aka have limited access to modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Their way of life remains largely traditional, although external influences are slowly increasing due to regional development and conflict.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Aka people primarily practice ethnoreligion, which consists of spiritual beliefs and rituals deeply rooted in their ethnic identity. These may include ancestor worship, nature spirits, and ceremonial rites tied to agricultural cycles and community events.However, there is also a significant Islamic influence, and the majority identify as Muslim. A minority identify as Christian, including evangelical believers, though there is little active church planting or Christian outreach in the region.


What Are Their Needs?

Remote location and lack of medical facilities contribute to poor health outcomes. Literacy rates are low, and there are few schools or educational resources in their region. Opportunities for sustainable income generation are scarce, making poverty a persistent challenge. Infrastructure for clean water is minimal or nonexistent.With few evangelical Christians and limited exposure to the gospel, there is a need for culturally sensitive missionary work.


Prayer Items

Pray for the physical and spiritual well-being of the Aka people.Ask God to raise up workers who can bring the gospel in culturally appropriate ways to their Muslim and animistic neighbors.Pray for improved access to education and healthcare in their communities.Intercede for peace and stability in the region, which affects their safety and development.Pray for translation efforts and resources in the Berta/Aka language to support evangelism.


Scripture Prayers for the Aka in Sudan.


References

AI generated by Copilot


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Aka
People Name in Country Aka
Alternate Names Fa-c-Aka
Population this Country 1,300
Population all Countries 1,300
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 11174
ROP3 Code 102981
Country Sudan
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 5  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country An Nil al Azraq state: Jebel Silak, southwest of Ingessana hills.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Sudan
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 5  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country An Nil al Azraq state: Jebel Silak, southwest of Ingessana hills..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
6.00 %
Ethnic Religions
10.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
84.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Aka (1,300 speakers)
Language Code soh   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Aka (1,300 speakers)
Language Code soh   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Aka

Primary Language:  Aka

Bible Translation Status:  Unspecified

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Map Source Joshua Project / Global Mapping International  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.