In 1935, at the outbreak of the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, "grazmach" and "balambaras" Afawarq Walda Samayat was the acting "shum" of Jijiga. He worked tirelessly to prepare the Ogaden for war on what was known as the "southern front". Prior to the Battle of Genale Doria, "Balambaras" Afawarq Walda Samayat was killed defending Gorahai.