Maninka

The Maninka, also called Malinke or Malinke, are a West African ethnic group of the Mande language family. They are primarily located in Guinea and Mali, with communities in Ivory Coast, Senegal, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, and the diaspora abroad.

The Maninka language, part of the Manding subgroup of Western Mande, is spoken by Maninka communities across the region. It has multiple regional varieties; some speakers refer to it as Maninka, while others use Malinke or Mandinka for related dialects. The language reflects local identities and is used in daily life, ceremonies, and education in various communities.

Culturally, griots (jelis) are important custodians of history and tradition, preserving genealogies, songs, and stories through performance. Music featuring the kora, ngoni, and other traditional instruments is a notable feature of Maninka culture. Islam is the major religion among Maninka people, though many communities maintain traditional beliefs and practices and observe regional religious customs.

Historically, Maninka people played a central role in the Mali Empire (13th–16th centuries) and in regional trade networks across the Sahel. Their historical influence extended through successive polities and social networks that connected interior West Africa with coastlands and beyond.

Today, Maninka communities are part of multiple nation-states and maintain cultural traditions while participating in contemporary political, economic, and social life. The term Maninka/Malinke encompasses a broad set of groups with shared linguistic roots and regional variations, contributing to the ethnolinguistic diversity of West Africa.