The Silent Plight of Serer Widows

How Traditional Inheritance Systems Leave Senegal's Women Landless and Vulnerable

The African Gourmet January 22, 2025 Women's Rights & Culture

When Protection Becomes Predation

In the fertile farmlands of Senegal's Fatick region, where the Serer people have maintained their cultural traditions for centuries, a quiet crisis unfolds each time a husband dies. While Serer funeral traditions honor the deceased with elaborate rites and community mourning, the living—specifically widows—often face systematic dispossession that leaves them economically stranded and socially isolated.

As documented in African death and burial traditions, many African cultures view death as a transition rather than an end, with elaborate rituals to ensure the deceased's peaceful journey to the ancestral world. However, these same cultural frameworks often fail to protect widows from economic devastation.

The Lëñ System: Inheritance That Disinherits

At the heart of this crisis lies Lëñ, the Serer customary land tenure system that governs property inheritance. Unlike Western systems where spouses typically inherit from each other, Lëñ follows strict patrilineal principles designed to keep land within male bloodlines.

How the System Works Against Women

When a Serer man dies, his property—including the family home, farmland, and livestock—passes not to his widow, but to his designated male heir known as the Xel. This is typically his eldest son or, if children are minors, his brother or another male relative.

The widow, who may have spent decades working alongside her husband to build their livelihood, suddenly becomes a tenant in her own home. She must negotiate for basic access to the fields she once cultivated and the resources needed to feed her children.

Amina's Story: A Typical Case

Amina Diouf (name changed), a 45-year-old Serer woman from Ndiodj, lost her husband to malaria in 2022. Within weeks of the funeral, her husband's brothers arrived to inventory the family's assets:

• 8 hectares of peanut and millet fields she had farmed for 20 years
• The family compound with three dwellings
• Six cattle and twenty goats
• All farming equipment and stored grain

"They told me I could stay in one room with my children, but the land and animals now belonged to the family," Amina recounts. "I went from being a farm owner to a day laborer on my own land, earning less than $3 a day when there's work available."

Her 14-year-old daughter was withdrawn from school to help with domestic work, continuing the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

The Legal Paradox

Senegal's 1972 Family Code theoretically protects widows' inheritance rights, granting spouses a portion of the estate. However, in rural Serer communities, customary law almost always prevails over statutory law.

78%

of Serer widows lose primary income source

63%

experience food insecurity within months

55%

have daughters withdrawn from school

42%

face pressure to remarry male relatives

Cultural Context vs. Human Rights

The conflict between cultural preservation and women's rights creates complex challenges. Elder community defenders argue that Lëñ maintains cultural continuity and prevents land fragmentation. Women's rights advocates counter that the system perpetuates intergenerational poverty and violates fundamental human rights.

Religious Dimensions

Most Serer are Muslim, and Islamic inheritance law does provide for widows. However, in practice, local interpretations often prioritize customary traditions over religious provisions, leaving women with limited recourse.

Paths to Change

Despite the challenges, several initiatives are making progress:

Women's Collectives

Traditional Serer women's work groups called Bottai are evolving into support networks for widows, providing emotional support and sometimes pooling resources to help members navigate inheritance disputes.

Legal Literacy Programs

Local NGOs are conducting workshops to educate women about their legal rights under Senegalese law, though enforcement remains difficult in face of community pressure.

Progressive Religious Leadership

Some imams are using Friday sermons to emphasize Islam's provisions for widows' inheritance, creating religious justification for challenging discriminatory customs.

The Way Forward

True reform requires balancing cultural preservation with human rights. Solutions must come from within Serer society, building on existing structures like women's collectives while engaging male community leaders as allies in change.

As Senegal continues its development journey, addressing the systematic dispossession of widows is not just a women's rights issue—it's essential for breaking cycles of poverty and building truly resilient communities.

Conclusion: Beyond Symbolic Protection

The elaborate funeral rites that honor Serer ancestors reflect a deep cultural reverence for lineage and continuity. Yet true honor requires protecting the most vulnerable among the living. Until Serer widows can inherit the homes and lands they helped build, cultural traditions that should provide protection will continue to enable predation.

The challenge for Senegal—and for Serer communities themselves—is to evolve traditions in ways that preserve cultural identity while ensuring women's economic security and dignity. The future of countless widows and their children depends on finding this balance.

Serer People at a Glance

Population: ~1.8 million (15% of Senegal)

Primary Regions: Fatick, Kaolack, Thiès

Main Livelihoods: Agriculture (millet, peanuts), livestock

Religion: 94% Muslim, with traditional beliefs

Known For: Rich cultural traditions, agricultural expertise

Key Traditional Concepts

Lëñ: Customary land tenure system

Xel: Designated male heir

Pangool: Ancestral spirits and graves

Bottai: Women's cooperative work groups

Legal Framework

Senegal Family Code (1972): Grants inheritance rights to widows

Constitution: Guarantees gender equality

Reality: Customary law dominates in rural areas

Enforcement Gap: Limited legal access for rural women

Organizations Making Change

• Fédération des Associations de Femmes de Fatick
• Association des Juristes Sénégalaises
• Women in Law and Development in Africa
• Local Bottai women's collectives
• Senegalese Ministry of Women

© 2024 The African Gourmet. This article is based on field research and case studies from Senegal's Serer community.

Sources: Fédération des Associations de Femmes de Fatick (2023), Senegal National Agency of Statistics and Demography, UN Women Senegal reports, and The African Gourmet: African Death and Burial Traditions.

Explore More: This story is part of our African Truth & Justice Hub featuring stories of resistance and human dignity.

Africa averages around four coups per year. Burkina Faso has the most successful coups in Africa, eight.

Seven African countries, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Sudan and Tunisia had coups; an illegal and overt attempt to unseat sitting leaders in 2021. Africa averages around four coups and coup attempts per year however 2021 was unusually high with three failed coup attempts and four successful. The year 2022 has started with two coups on the African Continent.

There were successful coups in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Guinea and failed military takeovers in Tunisia, Niger and Sudan. Burkina Faso, in West Africa, has had the most successful coups, with eight takeovers, four alleged coups and one failed coup. January 23, 2022 was the latest coup in Burkina Faso.

A coup is a illegal seizure of power by a political group civilian or military who forcefully carries out the removal of the sitting government and its powers. A political or military coup causes intense sectarian violence and causes a collapse in the countries GDP. 

Violent extremism is showing its most ugly face and the mix of extremist ideology and politics is more toxic than ever before. Every perpetrator of a coup and every dictator known to history has acted with the avowed aim of bringing salvation to the country and delivering people from inept governance.

Good governance is key to creating nations that are at peace with themselves and that can offer a better life for their citizens.  Coups, power grabs, authoritarianism and corruption degenerate African countries into anarchy unable to to protect and restore broken systems, including policing and justice. 

A coup consists of the infiltration of a small group which is then used to displace the existing government from its control. Coups are not the key to sustainable peace in Africa, there are three generally recognized types of coups: Breakthrough Coup is most-common type of coup, an opposing group of civilian or military organizers overthrows the seated government and installs themselves as the nation’s new leaders. Guardian Coup is thought to be for the greater good of the nation and Veto Coup is when the military steps in to prevent major political change. 

Africa's coup and coup attempts January - February 2022

Burkina Faso - January 23, 2022 the Burkinabé military staged a coup against Roch Marc Christian Kaboré

Guinea-Bissau - February 1, 2022: Failed attempt to overthrow the government.  A coup d'état was attempted in Guinea-Bissau on 1 February 2022. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo said that many members of the security forces had been killed in a failed attack against democracy.

Africa's coup and coup attempts 2021

Chad - Dynastic institutional coup April 2021, Chad's political opposition parties say the army's appointment of the late President Idriss Déby's son as the nation's new leader was an institutional coup.

Guinea - September 5, 2021: Mamady Doumbouya overthrows Alpha Condé

Mali - May 2021 Malian coup d'état: Military overthrows Bah N'daw

Niger - March 2021 the Nigerian military tried to seize the presidential palace in Niger's capital Niamey. Presidential Guard fended off the attack and many of its alleged perpetrators were later detained. 

Sudan - October 25, 2021 the Sudanese military, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, seizes control of the government following the arrest of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other civilian members of the Sovereignty Council

Tunisia - July 25, 2021 Tunisian President Kais Saied froze the parliament, dismissed the prime minister, and announced he will temporarily rule by decree.

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The Inadequacy of the Word Black

The term black is widely used to describe a complex and diverse group of people with shared histories and cultural connections. However, this single word often fails to capture the true diversity within this group, and in some cases, it may even perpetuate harmful stereotypes. This article explores the limitations of the word black and considers the benefits of adopting a more inclusive term: Diaspora.

Limitations of the Term Black

The word black is a color that is often associated with negative connotations, such as darkness, suffering, and death.  These associations weren't accidental; they were historically constructed and reinforced to justify oppression and maintain power structures. For centuries, European colonizers and slave traders used the concept of "blackness" to dehumanize African people, associating it with inferiority and savagery.  This created a deeply ingrained prejudice that continues to impact society today.

However, it's crucial to recognize that the connotations of black have also been challenged and redefined throughout history.  Movements for civil rights and racial justice have reclaimed the word, imbuing it with pride and power.  Think of slogans like "Black is Beautiful" and the rise of Black Power movements that sought to celebrate Black identity and culture.

Despite these efforts to reframe "black," the historical baggage and negative associations persist. Using this word to describe a group of people can still be seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and dehumanizing them.

Nuances of the Term Black

Interestingly, the U.S. government, while still using the term "Black,"  already incorporates the concept of diaspora in its official definition. The word Black is inadequately used to describe the culture and history of a complex group of people. Today, one in ten Black people are foreign-born in the U.S.  Moreover, black homogenizes a vast and diverse population, ignoring the unique histories, cultures, and experiences of people of African descent. For instance:

• African Americans have a distinct history shaped by slavery and the civil rights movement in the United States.
• Caribbean communities have unique cultural identities influenced by colonial history and indigenous traditions.
• African populations represent a wide array of ethnic groups, languages, and customs across an entire continent.

This oversimplification erases the rich diversity within these groups, limiting our understanding and appreciation of their unique contributions to society.

Acknowledging the Diaspora

The U.S. government provides a broader definition under its classification system. According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), "Black or African American" refers to "a person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa." This definition recognizes the African diaspora—individuals of African descent living around the world—but the continued use of "black" as the primary descriptor does not fully reflect this diversity.

Diaspora offers a more inclusive and accurate alternative. The term acknowledges the shared heritage and historical connections of African-descended people while respecting their varied cultural identities and lived experiences.

The Need for a More Inclusive Term

While the U.S. definition acknowledges the reality of the diaspora, the continued use of the term Black can still be problematic. But what exactly is "diaspora," and why is it a more fitting term?

The term Diaspora has its roots in ancient Greek, meaning "to scatter about." Historically, it was often used to describe the dispersion of the Jewish people from their homeland. However, in recent decades, Diaspora has evolved to encompass a broader range of experiences, particularly those of people of African descent who were forcibly displaced through slavery and colonialism. It acknowledges the shared history of forced migration, cultural resilience, and the ongoing connections between people of African descent worldwide, regardless of their current location.

The term Diaspora offers a more appropriate and inclusive way to refer to people of African descent living outside of Africa. This term recognizes the shared heritage and experiences of this diverse group, while also acknowledging their unique cultural identities.

Moreover, using the term Diaspora could lead to more nuanced data collection and analysis. By recognizing the diverse origins and experiences within this population, researchers and policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of their specific needs and challenges. This, in turn, can lead to more effective and targeted programs and policies.

The Benefits of Using Diaspora

Using the term Diaspora instead of "black" has several benefits:

• It is more accurate and inclusive.
• It avoids the negative connotations associated with the word "black."
• It highlights the shared heritage and experiences of people of African descent.
• It acknowledges the diversity of this group.
• It can lead to more nuanced data collection and analysis.

Honoring Heritage: The Power of Diaspora

By adopting the term Diaspora, we can move towards a more accurate and inclusive understanding of this diverse and dynamic group of people. This shift in language would not only reflect the reality of their lived experiences but also help to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote a greater sense of unity and belonging. The term Diaspora encapsulates the richness of heritage, acknowledging the unique journeys and cultural contributions of people of African descent across the globe.

For instance, instead of simply referring to someone as "Black," we can acknowledge their specific diasporic identity, such as Afro-Brazilian, Haitian-American, or Afro-Cuban. This recognizes the unique cultural blend that emerges when African heritage intersects with the history and traditions of different regions and nations.

Furthermore, embracing the term Diaspora aligns with the growing emphasis on self-identification. It allows individuals to define themselves based on their own understanding of their heritage and identity, rather than being confined by a potentially limiting and inaccurate label.

Unlocking Understanding: The Benefits of Accurate Data Collection

Ultimately, the language we use to describe ourselves and others matters. By choosing more inclusive and accurate terms, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. The term Diaspora offers a powerful way to recognize the rich history, diverse experiences, and ongoing contributions of people of African descent worldwide.

But the benefits extend beyond language. Embracing the concept of Diaspora can lead to more nuanced and accurate data collection. By recognizing the diverse origins and experiences within this population, researchers and policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of their specific needs and challenges. This, in turn, can lead to more effective and targeted programs and policies that truly address the unique circumstances of different diasporic communities.

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Reexamining the Word Black

The term black is commonly used to describe people of African descent, but it often oversimplifies diverse cultural identities and histories. Historically, black has been associated with negative connotations, reinforcing stereotypes and dehumanizing African people. 

Although civil rights movements have reclaimed black with pride, the term still perpetuates harmful generalizations. In contrast, Diaspora offers a more inclusive and accurate alternative, recognizing the shared heritage of African-descended people worldwide, while respecting the unique histories of African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and African populations. 

By adopting Diaspora, we can better acknowledge cultural diversity, avoid negative associations, and empower communities through identity. While black remains culturally significant, particularly in movements like Black Lives Matter, using Diaspora in academic, policy, and cultural contexts can provide a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of African-descended populations globally.

Change the Term 'Black' to 'Diaspora' in U.S. Government Classifications

We call for the U.S. government to replace the term 'Black' with 'Diaspora' in official documents and classifications to better reflect the cultural, historical, and geographical diversity of people of African descent. Sign our petition here to change the term 'Black' to 'Diaspora' in U.S. Government Classifications.

Explore More: This story is part of our African Truth & Justice Hub featuring stories of resistance and human dignity.

In April 2020 more than 50 young men in a small village in Cabo Delgado province were murdered for reportedly resisting recruitment into al-Shabaab.

In April 2020, more than 50 young men in the small village of Muidumbe in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique, were murdered by suspected members of the Islamic State-affiliated militant group al-Shabaab. The men were reportedly killed for refusing to join al-Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency in Cabo Delgado since 2017.

The killings in Muidumbe were the latest in a series of atrocities committed by al-Shabaab in Cabo Delgado. In 2020, the group was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians, the displacement of tens of thousands more, and the destruction of entire villages.

The violence in Cabo Delgado has had a devastating impact on the province. The economy has been crippled, and the provision of basic services, such as healthcare and education, has been severely hampered. The humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado is one of the worst in Africa, and it is only getting worse.

The Mozambican government has been struggling to contain the insurgency in Cabo Delgado. The government has deployed troops to the province, but they have been unable to defeat al-Shabaab. The international community has also been slow to respond to the crisis, and there is a growing sense of urgency to find a solution.

The killings in Muidumbe are a reminder of the human cost of the conflict in Cabo Delgado. The violence is not only destroying lives, it is also undermining the future of the province. The international community must do more to help Mozambique end the violence and rebuild Cabo Delgado.

Ansar al-Sunna and al-Shabab terrorist offenses has led to record numbers of civilian casualties and targeted killings in Mozambique. The ongoing storm of atrocities is costing lives and spreading terror. Citizens in Mozambique Cabo Delgado province have experienced deep trauma due to terrorist attacks. They’re worried that the country could descend into chaos or the Ansar al-Sunna and al-Shabab terrorist groups could carry out revenge attacks. 

Imagine if all residents living in the US city of San Jose Texas or Jacksonville Florida had to flee their homes all at once due to a extremist group terrorist attack in their city. San Jose and Jacksonville have a population of around one million people, Mozambique Cabo Delgado Province, since 2017 has had nearly one million people flee because of a swelling armed conflict with Ansar al-Sunna and al-Shabab terrorist groups. 

Two main extremist groups may have carried out indiscriminate killings of civilians, including women and children, beheadings, kidnappings, and looting and burning out villages. Access to information and the freedom of expression are almost nonexistent as the world of violence continues. Ansar al-Sunna and al-Shabab are armed with small arms, machine guns, improvised explosives, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades.

Al-Shabaab means The Youth in Arabic is a Salafist jihadist group based in East Africa, assessments in 2020 ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 fighters. Since 2017, Ansar al-Sunna  has killed more than 2,500 people in Mozambique. Ansar al-Sunna can trace its roots back to the late Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Ansar al-Sunna has conducted an insurgency against the Mozambique Government since 2017, and ISIS publicly recognized Ansar al-Sunna as an affiliate in June 2019 with an estimate of 800 fighters.  

Terrorists captured an entire town in Mozambique.

Where is Mozambique? Mozambique is in Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, laying between South Africa to the south, Tanzania to the north and Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe to the west. Mozambique is the world's 36th-largest country and Africa's 16th largest county.

In northern Mozambique the Cabo Delgado province is an area known for rich liquid natural gas deposits. In March 2021, Ansar al-Sunna seized the Cabo Delgado province town of Palma holding it for 4 days killing an estimated 100 unarmed civilians and Mozambique police personnel. A lack of water has forced many of the town's residents to leave after the terrorist group Al Shabab attacked and destroyed the town's well.

Worse yet, the UN reported native Mozambican children as young as five have been shown how to handle weapons and forced to fight with Ansar al-Sunna and al-Shabab in military style training camps. In April 2020 more than 50 young men in a small village in Cabo Delgado province were murdered for reportedly resisting recruitment into al-Shabaab.

In addition to losing their families, these child soldiers have been exposed to extreme violence, sexual violence and abductions. Many families are running South or into neighbouring Tanzania with only the clothes on their backs. The violence left at least one million people in Northern Mozambique with no access to their lands and no means of earning a living. 

The insurgents stormed across the country, capturing a major cities in a matter of days. When fighting broke out in 2020, neutral safety zones were nonexistent causing millions of people to flee the violence. The groups have also targeted banks looting cash reserves and taken control of Cabo Delgado province natural resources, including gas, gems, and timber to sell for profit in order to fund its terrorist activities and swell its ranks.

What will happen next in Mozambique Cabo Delgado province? It’s not clear. The criminal and terrorist networks say they do not want to form an inclusive, Islamic government. They are not holding negotiations with senior politicians, including leaders in the tribal government.

Mozambican children and mothers.

Did you know?

The Bureau of Counterterrorism in the US State Department reviews potential foreign organizations by investigating actual terrorist attacks that a group has carried out, also if the group has engaged in planning and preparations for possible future acts of terrorism or retains the capability and intent to carry out such acts.

Explore More: This story is part of our African Truth & Justice Hub featuring stories of resistance and human dignity.