Soussou

Soussou, also spelled Susu, refers to an ethnic group in West Africa and to their language. The Susou are concentrated along Guinea’s coastal and inland border regions, with sizable communities in Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia. Estimates place several million people identifying with Susu heritage when counting both native communities and the diaspora.

The Susu language belongs to the Mande subgroup of the Niger-Congo language family. It is spoken by native Susu communities and often serves as a lingua franca in areas where Susu speakers are present. The language has multiple dialects and is typically written in the Latin alphabet, with traditional oral transmission remaining important in many communities.

Culturally, the Susu are predominantly Muslim, though Christian and traditional beliefs are also present in various communities. Social life often centers on extended families and village networks, with oral history and genealogies preserved by jelis (griots) who recount lineage, histories, and legends. Music, dance, and crafts are important aspects of cultural expression in many Susu communities.

Historically, the Susu have participated in regional trade networks across the West African coast and inland. Through commerce, migration, and intermarriage, they have contributed to the cultural and linguistic mosaic of Guinea and neighboring countries, as well as to the broader history of the region.