Dabarre in Somalia

Introduction / History

Somalia is located on the Horn of Africa on the continent's easternmost coast. The Somali are the largest ethnic group in the country and form one of the most uniform populations of the continent. They speak a common language, follow a common religion, and share a cultural heritage.
The Somali are divided into various sub-groups. One of these groups is the Digil, which includes not only the Dabarre but also the Jiddu and the Tunni. They are located in southern Somalia, between the Juba and Shebelle Rivers. This region has the richest agricultural land in the country, but producing crops is becoming increasingly difficult. Unlike the hotter climates in the rest of Somalia, the average temperature is only in the low 80s.
The Dabarre (AKA, Mirifle) speak Af-Dabarre. Many also speak Arabic as a secondary or trade language. They are closely related to the Afar and Beja, sharing similarities in culture, language and religion. They only live in Somalia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Dabarre, like other Digil peoples, are primarily farmers. Bananas are the chief commercial and export crop, but they also grow sugarcane, corn, sorghum, beans, sesame, and fruit. Agriculture is organized on a system of mutual help work parties. Men are recruited from within the village and are presided over by a chief, who is given gifts and coffee. The men must appear for work anytime the chief calls them. These associations work on special "work days" and cultivate the land of their members and of other villages, who must pay them a fee and feed them. Although women are not members of these work groups, they help the men in the fields and also grind grain for flour. Most also herd cattle and to a lesser extent, camels. These animals provide meat, milk and skins. In addition to farming, the Dabarre also engage in fishing and hunting.
The Dabarre live in round huts with mud walls and cone-shaped, grass roofs. The inside of the hut is divided by a curtain or branch partition. The man sleeps on the side facing the door, the wife on the other, more secluded side. Wealthier Dabarre may also have a porch attached to the hut's entrance. Each family is ruled by the male head of the household. The village is ruled by a council of elders from each family, who meet with the village head. Decisions and business with other villages are conducted by the council.
When a young man desires to marry, he must first obtain the consent of his parents and the girl's parents. The young man must pay a bride-price to the girl's family, and if the bride-price is satisfactory, the engagement will result in marriage. A man is responsible for his wife, as are his brothers and all the members of his family. If a wife is murdered, the husband and his family will resort to blood-vengeance. Under Islamic law, a Dabarre is allowed up to four wives. Each wife, however, occupies her own hut where she raises her children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dabarre are virtually all Sunni Muslim. Although they are quite orthodox in their religious practices, few have a deep understanding of their faith. As Muslims, the Dabarre believe that Jesus was an important prophet, not the only way to be saved from sin. They believe that after death all men will give an account for their actions, being judged by their works and knowledge of the Koran.

What Are Their Needs?

The majority of the Dabarre have not had a chance to hear a clear presentation of the gospel. Hopefully there will soon be prayer teams for unreached Somali people groups like the Dabarre.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to speak to Dabarre elders through dreams and visions resulting in persons of peace who will welcome Christ's ambassadors.
Pray for the Lord to open the door for Holy Spirit anointed workers to go to the Dabarre clan.
Pray for spiritual hunger among the Dabarre.
Pray for a powerful movement to Christ among this Muslim people group.

Text Source:   Joshua Project