Who We Are (Tribe)

The Fulɓe—known locally as Fulåe (singular: Pullo)—are a widely dispersed West African people with deep historical roots. Research suggests they originated north of the Senegal River in present‑day Mauritania, later spreading across the region. Some groups travelled east, adopted Islam through contact with Arab and Berber communities and eventually returned west.

They settled Fuuta Jallon in two major waves:

• 13th century: non‑Islamic Fulɓe (Pulli)

• 16th century: Muslim Fulɓe arriving from Macina (Mali)

By the early 18th century, the Muslim Fulɓe established a federal Islamic theocracy centred in Timbo, with several semi‑autonomous provinces. Internal rivalries—especially between the Alfaya and Soriya ruling houses—shaped much of the region’s political history.

French colonial forces took control in 1896, exploiting these internal divisions and eventually dismantling the authority of the Almaami (Imam‑king). Today, due to decades of migration, Fulɓe communities are found in every major West African city, often active in trade and commerce.

Source: https://ibamba.net/pular/ [Accessed on 17 February 2026)

Our Mission

Through our Management Committee and specialised sub‑committees, we coordinate a wide range of activities designed to support our members and advance our mission.

These include:

• Community engagement and outreach

• Cultural preservation and events

• Youth empowerment programmes

• Women’s leadership and development initiatives

• Project development and fundraising

• Collaboration with charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities

  
  

We also maintain strong links with Sierra Leone, including the ability to establish offices and liaison roles to support development work on the ground.