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?

They sometimes enter illegally, causing them to have to keep a low profile and settle for jobs that pay under the table. That leaves them vulnerable to being cheated by employers. Those who are permitted to stay face challenges with language, housing, and obtaining quality work.

Still, they find time to have cultural events in European countries. Some display and sell their wood carvings, sell Senegalese style food, and have displays of their dance and music for everyone's enjoyment. Most Wolof are Senegalese, so they participate in Senegalese cultural organizations. April 4 is Senegal's independence day, so that is often a day for cultural celebrations. Other members of the African diaspora and the Europeans come for the festivities.

They have their own Facebook page for those who live in London, but it's in French.

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 Items

Pray for the Wolof people in the U.K. 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.
Pray that the Wolof people living in Europe would come to know God and return to Africa as Christ bearers.
Ask the Lord to raise up churches that will plant more churches among Wolof communities throughout Europe.

Scripture Prayers for the Wolof in United Kingdom.

References

http://www.sim.org/index.php/content/wolof-bible-accessible-like-never-before
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pygOYTTHQPs
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/wolof.html
https://senegal-embassy.uk/communaute/