Wolof in Libya

People Name:	Wolof
Country:	Libya
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	3,400
World Population:	7,004,900
Primary Language:	Wolof
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	1.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.70 %
Scripture:	New Testament
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 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.

The French expanded into Senegal during the 1800s, making it a colony of French West Africa. Wolof leaders of the resistance to the French were often charismatic Sufi Muslim leaders, who have since become folk heroes. Islam became a focal point of resistance to the French. In 1968, Senegal gained its independence from France. However, European influences are still a part of Wolof culture, which are apparent in many ways.

Most Wolof people live in Senegal and The Gambia, but they also live in several other countries of West Africa. For example, the expansion of peanut cultivation and an acceleration towards urbanization motivated many to spread out into Cote d'Ivoire and Mali. There they hope to make use of the land and find better jobs in the cities. There is also a Wolof diaspora in several European countries, Turkey, and the United States. Those who hope to make it to Europe must stop in Libya, where they are sometimes detained.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like other West Africans who want to find jobs in Europe, the Wolofs are put on rubber rafts by smugglers who are trying to get them to Europe. On the way, they must stop in Libya, a very unstable country with powerful criminal elements, who will not hesitate to take advantage of vulnerable people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam and Wolof identity are closely intertwined. Islamic jihads and resistance to the French colonial powers solidified the Wolof people's commitment to Islam. They rallied behind Sufi Muslim leaders and holy men known as marabouts. Marabout leaders are still honored and followed unquestioningly by many Wolof today. Some of them are charged with giving Wolof boys a good Muslim education where they learn the Koran, but most of these boy's time is spent begging for money to bring to these religious teachers.

Despite their Islamic beliefs, the Wolof also believe in bad and good spirits as well as witches. They think that all of these live in their villages. Evil spirits live in tall trees or grassy areas. The Wolof wear amulets to protect them from these evil spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

Wolofs in Libya need protection. They are foreigners in a land where human trafficking rackets and kidnapping is rampant. If they are caught, they are put in detention centers where they face torture and abuse by Libyan guards. Most are relieved if they are returned to Senegal.

Prayer Points

Pray for God’s mighty hand to protect the Wolofs in Libya.
Pray for Wolof elders to have dreams of the righteous and loving Christ, leading entire households to the kingdom.
Pray for their time outside the country to be a time of spiritual searching, and that they will hunger for truth and righteousness.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to pave the way for fellowships in Libya involving people from all over Africa.