Susu people

The Susu (Sousou in French) are a major ethnic group living primarily in Guinea. Smaller communities are also located in the neighboring countries of Sierra Leone, Senegal and Mali. The Susu in Sierra Leone live primarily in Kambia District next to the Guinean border. The Susu are descendants of the thirteenth century Mali Empire. They moved to their present location after 1725, when the Fulani attempted to dominate them and managed to convert them to Islam.

Language

Their language, called Soso or Sousou, serves as a major trade language in the Guinean capital city of Conakry, and Kindia as well as other towns around those two large cities. The Susu languageis almost indistinguishable from the language of the Yalunka. Because of these linguistic similarities, some people think that at one time the Susu and Yalunka were one group, living in the Fouta Djallon region of Guinea. It is thought that Fulani invaders separated the two groups, with the Susu moving southward and absorbing other peoples in the process.

Economy and life style

The Susu are primarily farmers, with rice and millet being their two principal crops. Mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts are also grown. The women make various kinds of palm oil from palm nuts. They also make peanut oil and soap. All of the family members, including the children, are expected to do their share of the manual labor necessary for sustaining an adequate lifestyle. In addition to farming, fishing and salt production are important enterprises to the Susu economy. Salt is produced during the dry season, and it can take up to three months of intense work to produce anything substantial. The Susa are also well known as merchants and craftsmen of leather and metal. Susu houses are typically made of either mud or cement blocks, depending on the resources available. They are generally quite large in order to accommodate extended families. In the cities, roofs are most often made of corrugated iron; whereas in the rural areas, they are usually still made of thatch. Most cooking is done over open fires. Electricity is available in many places, but clean water is generally lacking. Humanitarian aid organizations are trying to help the Susu by digging wells throughout the area. Although Western clothes can be obtained in the markets, most Susu women seem to prefer African dress. They usually wear African-style skirts that reach to their ankles. Older men wear loose-fitting cotton robes, but the younger men prefer Western-style clothing.

Culture

The extended family is very important in Susu society. Polygyny is a common practice among susu men; a susu man is allowed under Islamic law to have three or more wives. Although good relationships are valued, there are many conflicts with neighbors, especially when dealing with money or property. Thus, each village has an elected chief to help resolve conflicts.

Relegion

Over 98% of Susu are Muslim, and Islam dominates their religious culture and practices. Most Islamic holidays are observed, the most important being the celebration that follows Ramadan (a month of prayer and fasting).

Notable Susu

• Lansana Conte, president of Guinea
• Dala Modu Dumbuya was an important Sierra Leonean Susu trader during colonial era
• Titi Camara, former Guinean footballer
• Ibrahima Kassory Fofana, former Finance mimister of Guinea
• Mamadou Sylla, Guinean politician
• Eugène Camara, former prime minister of Guinea
• Arafan Camara, Former Guinean defense minister
• Fodé Soumah, former Guinean politician
• Souleymane Youla, Guinean football star
• Ismaël Bangoura, Guinean footballer
• Ibrahima Camara, Guinean football star