History of the People of Mende

Historically the people of Mende are believed to be descendants of the 13th century Mali empire which migrated to Sierra Leon from Sudan as invading forces. They are one of the 2 largest ethnic groups in Sierra Leon along with the Temne's. Regional warfare in the 19th century led to a lot of Mende people being sold into slavery some of whom won their freedom and sent back home; others were not so lucky. Today in Sierra Leone some of them are found in major cities like Bo, Kenema and Movamba.

geographic location on the african map

people of Mende