The Nyamusa-Molo people, also known by alternate names such as Molo, Nua, Nyamusa, and Psa, are an ethnic group located in South Sudan. They primarily reside in Western Equatoria State, particularly in the southeast of Mvolo County near the Lesi area, and some are found in border regions of Central Equatoria State, including Terakeka County.Their language, Nyamusa-Molo, belongs to the Central Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family. It is spoken exclusively by this group and is considered a vital part of their cultural identity. Despite their small population—the Nyamusa-Molo maintain a distinct ethnic heritage within the Sudanic people cluster.
The Nyamusa-Molo live in rural communities where subsistence farming, hunting, and gathering form the backbone of daily life. Their environment is tropical and fertile, supporting crops such as sorghum, maize, and cassava. Livestock is kept in small numbers, and traditional practices like beekeeping and fishing supplement their diet.Social structures are clan-based, with strong kinship ties and communal decision-making. Cultural traditions are passed down orally, and elders play a central role in maintaining social cohesion. Access to education and healthcare is limited due to geographic isolation and underdeveloped infrastructure.
The dominant religion among the Nyamusa-Molo is animism, a belief system that attributes spiritual essence to natural entities such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects. Rituals and ceremonies are deeply tied to agricultural cycles, ancestral reverence, and nature spirits.Christianity has made modest inroads, with approximately 18% identifying as Christian and around 6% as evangelical believers. However, there is little history of sustained Christian engagement, and syncretism between traditional beliefs and Christianity is common.
The Nyamusa-Molo people face several critical needs, including a lack of sustained Christian outreach and discipleship, as most have never heard the full gospel message in their own language; the absence of a Bible translation in Nyamusa-Molo, which hinders spiritual growth without Scripture in their heart language; limited access to media resources such as the Jesus Film and radio broadcasts in their language, restricting exposure to Christian teachings; scarce education and healthcare services, leaving many without formal schooling or medical care; and the growing threat to their cultural preservation, as their language and traditions face external pressures and remain largely undocumented.
Pray for the translation of the Bible into Nyamusa-Molo so that the gospel may be clearly understood and ask God to send workers who will live among the Nyamusa-Molo and share the love of Christ in culturally sensitive ways. Pray also for spiritual openness and a deep hunger for truth among those practicing animism and intercede for the development of Christian media resources—such as audio recordings and films—in their language. Finally, lift up communities affected by poverty, isolation, and lack of basic services, asking God to bring healing and hope.
Scripture Prayers for the Nyamusa-Molo in South Sudan.
Joshua Project: Nyamusa-Molo in South SudanWikipedia: Nyamusa peoplePeopleGroups.org: Nyamusa
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
