Introduction / History

Before the 1700s, the Oromo were more homogenous; they had not yet split apart by dialect, lifestyle, location, and religion. The Wallo are among the least known of several Oromo subgroups.

The 1880s and 1890s were a difficult time for the Wallo Oromo as they were involved in a rebellion against the occupying forces of the Abyssinians. The Wallos were united under the leadership of Sheik Tola Jaafar, who was partially defeated. This rebel leader fled to Sudan to gain outside military assistance, then returned to Wallo to continue his armed struggle until 1910.

In the 21st century some of the Wallo Oromos have joined other Oromo subgroups in their rebellion against the Ethiopian government. Some Oromo organizations want independence, but because of their lack of unity, this will probably not happen.

Where Are they Located?

Wallo is a province in northeastern Ethiopia. This is probably the homeland of the Wallo Oromos.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Wallo Oromo people are subsistence farmers who use farming tools that have long since been abandoned by farmers in the developed world. A small number of them live in urban centers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though some Oromo subgroups are Christian, others, like the Wallos, are not. All Oromo people, be they Christian or Muslim, adhere to traditional religious practices. When faced with a serious need or crisis, the Wallo Oromo people will look to traditional religion rather than Islam for help.

What Are Their Needs?

Agricultural experts who are familiar with farming in developing countries can help the Wallo Oromo people gain a better harvest. They can help the Wallo Oromo people to develop irrigation systems and introduce Green Revolution technology.

Prayer Points

* Pray for believers who know how to help increase crop yields will go as Christ's ambassadors to the Wallo Oromo people.
* Pray for a peaceful solution between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo peoples.
* Pray that believers from other Oromo subgroups will introduce Jesus to the Wallo people.
* Pray that soon there will be a rapidly growing church planting movement among the Wallo Oromo people.

References

Profiles written by Global Prayer Digest
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/15840/ET
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19653/ET
http://www.gadaa.com/SheikTola.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oromo_people
http://www.robemedia.com/2016/02/15/wallo-oromo-are-ready-to-join-their-struggle/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzlsD46gWlk
http://www.brill.com/islam-nineteenth-century-wallo-ethiopia