SomaliBantuSomalispeaking

Somali Bantu, also referred to as Somali Bantu people or Bantu-Somali, are an ethnic group primarily in southern Somalia. They are descended from Bantu-speaking Africans who were enslaved and brought to the Somali littoral by Arab and Swahili traders and later integrated into Somali society. Unlike the majority Cushitic-speaking Somali population, the Somali Bantu have historically formed separate communities, often in rural areas, and have faced social discrimination within traditional clan hierarchies. Their ancestors came from diverse Bantu-speaking groups from inland East Africa, and over generations their communities adopted the Somali language and Islamic faith while retaining some distinct cultural practices.

Most Somali Bantu now speak Somali as their primary language, though some maintain remnants of their ancestral Bantu linguistic heritage in family or community use. Cultural practices include traditional music, dance, and festive observances that reflect a blend of Bantu and Somali influences.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, civil conflict in Somalia and regional instability led many Somali Bantu to seek refuge abroad. Diaspora communities formed in neighboring Kenya and in North America and Europe, with substantial settlements in the United States. In Somalia, Somali Bantu populations remain concentrated in the southern regions along the Jubba and Shabelle river valleys, where they often live in distinct neighborhoods or settlements.

Today, the Somali Bantu are recognized as a distinct ethnic group within Somalia's diverse population, with ongoing efforts to preserve their heritage while integrating into broader Somali society. They participate in civic and cultural life through community organizations and advocacy groups.