Imotong in South Sudan
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| People Name: | Imotong |
| Country: | South Sudan |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 17,000 |
| World Population: | 17,000 |
| Primary Language: | Imotong |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 80.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 4.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Needed |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Imotong people are a Nilotic ethnic group residing in Eastern Equatoria State of South Sudan, particularly in Ikotos County within the Hatire and Imatong divisions. Their primary language is Imotong, a distinct language spoken by approximately 17,000 people. While closely related to the Lotuko and other neighboring groups, the Imotong maintain a unique linguistic and cultural identity.Historically, the Imotong have lived in the mountainous regions surrounding the Imatong Mountains, which are among the highest elevations in South Sudan. Their name is derived from this geographic landmark. Despite their long-standing presence in the region, they remain relatively unknown outside of South Sudan and have limited representation in national development efforts.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Imotong live in rural, mountainous communities where agriculture is the primary livelihood. They cultivate crops such as sorghum, maize, and cassava, and raise livestock including goats and chickens. Their environment is lush and fertile, but infrastructure is minimal. Roads are often impassable during the rainy season, and access to education and healthcare is limited.Social life is organized around clan and family structures, with elders playing a central role in governance and cultural preservation. Traditional music, dance, and oral storytelling are vital to community life. Despite their rich heritage, many Imotong communities face challenges due to geographic isolation and underdevelopment.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Christianity is the dominant religion among the Imotong, with approximately 80% identifying as Christian. However, only 2–5% are considered evangelical believers, indicating a need for deeper discipleship and spiritual renewal. The remaining 20% practice ethnic religions, which include ancestral reverence and nature-based rituals.While churches exist in some communities, biblical literacy is low, and few have access to Scripture in their native language. Syncretism between Christianity and traditional beliefs is common, and sustained Christian engagement has been limited.
What Are Their Needs?
The Imotong people face several pressing needs, including the absence of a complete Bible translation in their language, a shortage of trained Christian leaders and foundational teaching, a lack of Christian media such as radio broadcasts or films, limited access to education, healthcare, and clean water, and a low evangelical presence that underscores the need for culturally sensitive evangelism and long-term discipleship.
Prayer Points
Pray for the translation and distribution of the Bible in the Imotong language, and ask God to raise up local evangelists and pastors who can disciple believers and plant churches.Pray for spiritual renewal among nominal Christians and those who blend traditional beliefs with Christianity and intercede for the development of Christian media resources—such as audio recordings, films, and radio—in the Imotong language.Finally, lift up communities affected by poverty, isolation, and lack of basic services, asking God to bring healing, hope, and transformation.