Soninké

The Soninké, also known as Sarakolé, are a West African ethnic group. They primarily inhabit Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, and the Gambia, with smaller communities in Ivory Coast and Guinea. Historically, the Soninké were the founders of the Ghana Empire, one of the earliest and most powerful states in West Africa, which flourished from the 6th to the 13th century. Their traditional societal structure was hierarchical, with a ruling class, warriors, merchants, artisans, and farmers.

The Soninké language is part of the Mande branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Traditionally, their religion was animist, but the vast majority converted to Islam centuries ago, particularly during the period of the Ghana Empire's decline and subsequent trade routes. Despite their historical significance, the Soninké are not a large ethnic group today. Many have migrated for economic reasons, particularly to Europe, and their culture has been influenced by neighboring groups. Their traditional economy was based on agriculture, particularly millet and sorghum cultivation, and trade, especially in gold and salt.