The Mende Tribe of Sierra Leone The Mende are the second largest ethnic group in Sierra Leone, having migrated from Liberia. They are primarily rice farmers and were historically a warlike people who expanded their territory through conquest. Their origins are debated, with some tracing them to the Mali Empire or Sudan, and they are believed to be descendants of the Mane. The Mende began migrating to Sierra Leone in the 18th century, assimilating other groups like the Sherbro and Vai. Their cult