Wolof in Congo, Republic of the

People Name:	Wolof
Country:	Congo, Republic of the
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	15,000
World Population:	7,106,600
Primary Language:	Wolof
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Atlantic-Wolof
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Hundreds of years ago, the Wolof people conquered many tribes in the northwestern Senegal area. By the end of the 1300s, the Wolof had grown into a large empire of separate, self-governing states. By the 1500s, the empire had split into four major Wolof kingdoms. Most live in Senegal, but they are also numerous in other West African countries like Gambia and Mali.

The French expanded into Senegal during the 1800s, making it a colony of French West Africa. In 1946, the Wolof of Senegal were awarded French citizenship, giving them a good chance to make their home in various European countries such as Germany, the U.K., Italy, and Spain. European influences are a part of Wolof culture, especially those living in Europe.

Though the Wolofs are not as bad off economically as many other African peoples, many are desperate to go to Europe to find better jobs. Their efforts are sometimes thwarted by the local officials, various coast guards, and government officials in Europe.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Wolof women are known for their beauty. They dress fashionably and wear sophisticated hairstyles. In fact, they are often the fashion-setters for others around them. Unfortunately, the men are not expected to take precautions with irresponsible sex habits. Despite their Islamic beliefs, pre-marital sex is expected among the Wolof people, especially in an urban setting.

While many of the Wolof have settled in cities and work as merchants, teachers, or government officials, most still live in rural areas and work as farmers. The main cash crop for Wolof farmers is peanuts. Huge sacks of them are sold to traders, and the earnings are used to provide new clothes, household utensils, blankets and tobacco. They grow okra, peppers, beans and tomatoes in gardens around their houses. Wolof do not like change and are content with the same daily meals. Their basic dietary crops include sorghum and millet. For breakfast, they make a porridge out of grains. A typical evening meal would be grains covered with either peanut and tomato sauce or meat and bean sauce.

A typical Wolof village consists of several hundred people living in compounds that are grouped around a central village square. The compounds contain houses made of mud or reeds. Fences are built just inside the compound entrances to block the view of strangers. Public events, such as dancing and wrestling, take place in the village square. A platform used for public meetings is usually located in the center of the square, and a mosque is located on the square's east side.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Wolof people usually follow Sufi traditions. The Sufis are a mystical sector of Islam that incorporates much more demonstrations of emotions than other Islamic traditions. They are sometimes admired and other times derided by other Muslims. In Africa there are many Sufi brotherhoods for the Wolof people. To some degree, these Sufi brotherhoods have followed them to Europe.

What Are Their Needs?

Very few Wolof people follow the Lord, be they in Africa or Europe. There is a great need for laborers who are sensitive to the Muslim cultures to work among the Wolof and to share Christ's love.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Wolof people in the Republic of the Congo to have such spiritual hunger that they will seek, find and embrace the only Savior no matter what it costs them.
Pray for Wolof people in Europe to join home Bible studies and get discipled in Christ's ways.
Pray for effectiveness of the JESUS Film, radio, and other evangelistic tools among the Wolof people.
Ask the Lord to raise up churches that will plant more churches among Wolof communities throughout Europe.