Who are the Didinga people?
The Didinga live in the Didinga hills of South Sudan, in the valleys, on the plateaus and slopes, and on the adjacent plains of the region. They are primarily focused on raising cattle but they also farm, with the area having sufficient rainfall to grow two crops per year. They live in homesteads based on their clan; in round houses with cone-shaped roofs. They also enjoy making music and various crafts. Although there is a Didinga chief, decisions are made by the community, and younger people have the right to question the elder.
What do they believe?
The Didinga accept the existence of a supreme being, and the sphere of spirits interacting with the living. They worship and sacrifice to spirits and gods and place great importance on the worship of dead ancestors, of whom they live in fear. The rainmaker is an important person in the community, who performs certain rituals and is seen to carry great influence and power.
What is being done to reach them?
Our vision is to see maturing churches planted on the Didinga mountains, encouraged and equipped by the Africa Inland Church South Sudan, as those in the lowland areas begin to reach their own people. However, the mountain people have been resistant to receiving the gospel. A small team are working with local evangelists to reach the mountain people – we need more people to join them as they seek to share the good news.
