Arma people
Moroccan-descended ethnic group of Mali / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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"Armas" redirects here. For other uses, see Armas (disambiguation).
The Arma people are an ethnic group of the middle Niger River valley, descended from Moroccan invaders of the 16th century . The name, applied by other groups, derives from the word ar-rumah (Arabic: الرماة) "fusiliers".[1]
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2012) |
Quick Facts Total population, Regions with significant populations ...
Total population | |
---|---|
Approximately 20,000 | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Middle Niger River Valley of Mali, Niger. | |
Languages | |
Songhay languages, French | |
Religion | |
Muslim | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Songhai, Mandé, Moroccan |
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The Arma ethnicity is distinct from (but sometimes confused with) the 3.6 million Zarma people of western Niger, who predate the Moroccan invasion and speak the Zarma language, also a member of the Songhay languages.
As of 1986, there were some 20,000 self-identified Arma in Mali, mostly around Timbuktu, the middle Niger bend and the Inner Niger Delta.[citation needed]