Wangara people

The Wangara (also known as Wakara, Wangarawa) are a diaspora community of ethnic Manden origin who served as specialized long-distance merchants throughout West Africa, particularly in trans-Saharan trade and practice islam, opposed to the Soninke who practice the traditional Mandinka religion. Originating from the Mali Empire, over time the Wangara became integrated into numerous other communities and ethnic groups, particularly in Timbuktu, Agadez, Kano, Gao, Salaga, Kong, Bissa, Kankan, Fouta Jallon, Djenné as well as Bambouk, Bure, Lobi, and (to a lesser degree) Bono goldfields and Borgu. They were practicing Muslims who helped spread the religion widely and served as clerics, political advisors, healers and marabouts, often following the Suwarian Tradition.

The term 'Wangara' is sometimes used interchangeably to refer to the Jakhanke or Dyula people, who are also diasporic traders and Islamic clerics of Mande origin.