(JollofNews) – Tribalism? This can be defined as “the behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group”.
As a result, the tribalist has disdain for and often disrespects the tribes they think are inferior to theirs. Such people, therefore, discourage association in any form be it marriage, work or friendship with tribes they deem to be inferior.
Tribalists think and preach that the men and women of their tribe or ethnic group are superior to others, and that as a result the others should serve and obey them. They try to impose the hegemony, the predominance of their tribes. Tribalist ideas and feeling are used most often to create a clientele who can help them to satisfy their selfish interests and ambitions
The reasons for tribalism and tribal discrimination may include the following:
The first is history, as many a tribalist traces the perceived superiority of their tribe to ethnic lineage. They will recount how their forebears defeated the other tribes in a war or a series of wars, or sometimes how their forebears enslaved the other tribes.Such people take pride in their history and no amount of persuasion can make them to see today’s reality. They believe that since their ancestors were “better” than the other tribes, so also are they now.
Another reason for tribalism is geographical location in relation to national resources and power. By this we mean that tribes which are endowed with abundant resources and opportunities often tend to disrespect people from other tribes who come to seek work on their land. Similarly, tribes which have the seat of power tend to think that they are better than others, and sometimes look down on them.
The above mentioned have been aggravated by politics. It is sad to say that most politicians either publicly or privately try to encourage tribal sentiments for their own selfish interests. Among the effects of tribalism is that it breeds nepotism. Once people feel that their tribesmen are better than people of other tribes, they tend to surround themselves with their tribesmen when they get into positions of trust.
Often tribalists are willing to hire people from their own tribe who may not otherwise be the best candidates for a given job. Such actions deprive the nation of the right people for the right job. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is arguable that the negative effects of tribalism permeate all African countries. Millions have been killed, maimed or displaced in civil wars in sub-Sahara Africa over the past 50 years, mostly because of tribal agitation. Most of us are living witnesses to the carnage that occurred in Rwanda and is still going on in Somalia. These countries have fallen into the abyss mainly because of tribalism. (The Point, 2010)
In terms of employment, people are given jobs based on tribe regardless of having low qualifications. Hence the inefficient use of available skills. Thus, the very rationale of being educated lacks meaning. Bad governance and lack of accountability has also been linked to tribalism as people do not question a government run by their tribesmen.
Delivery of services is also hindered as the culture of impunity is also inculcated. Delivery of services in both public and private institution where tribalism is rampant is also highly affected by tribal affiliations and politics.
Tribalism in Africa has been a major stumbling block to democracy as well as socio-economic development. It affects every sphere of development, from social economic, political to educational spheres. In political spheres, tribalism persists since it provides an avenue via which state goodies and favors trickle down from those in power to their tribesmen. Therefore, loyalty to tribe is given ever greater relevance than loyalty to the country.
In the overall sub-Saharan African political ethos, so long as a larger chunk of the negative vestiges of colonialism predominate, ethnicity as a political tool in the long run may, of course, involve several thoughts in the dimensions of social sciences like anthropology or sociology in the academic world, but in practical politics, especially in the contemporary African context of increasing ignorance and backwardness, ethnicity or ethnic politics exist as a blatant, gruesome instruments of accumulating private wealth and an easy accesses to unearned political power. In short, ethnic politics is an excuse to the profession of brigandage.
In Kenya, the regime of Daniel Arap Moi took over power apparently to ensure the revenge of the Kalenjin ethnic group over the long predominance or alleged predominance of the Kikuyu. Logically, therefore, the security and safety of individuals in key positions of the regime rely on staying in power.
In Ethiopia, the regime of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), spearheaded by the Tigrean Liberation Front (TPLF) and directed by Mr. Meles Zenawi, controlled central power ten years ago evidently with the intention of ensuring the predominance of Tigrean or other non-Amahara interests over the alleged predominance of the Amhara ruling class.
In 1964, the alleged “Arab dominance” in Zanzibar was revenged by a revolutionary seizure of Arab properties by the “Africans”. The rivalries between Igbo and non-Igbo groups in Port Harcourt, between Yoruba and Hausa in Ibadan (Nigeria) and other similar occurrences in the Congo Leopoldville, Rwanda, Burundi and others signify not ethnic conflicts per se but just sheer power struggles for the control of either major resources (wealth) or political power or both, by certain groups playing the ethnic card. (See H. Wolpe, Urban Politics in Nigeria
Ultimately, the bitterness accruing from such irresponsible conducts for the sake of short-sighted and short-term gains plant poisonous seeds for potential disasters. The hatred of the Luo and Kalenjin towards the Kikuyu in Kenya can be paralleled with the joint resentment of the Tigrean and Oromo groups within the EPRDF towards the Amharas in Ethiopia.
In both of those situations, the main issue is not as much on an equitable distribution of power as it is over the lion’s share of the spoils of power struggle. Even within obviously homogenous societies, like Somalia, a complete internal harmony is an exception rather than the rule, let alone states shredded with a plethora of tribes. (There are more than one thousand distinct tribes with their own languages in Africa.)
There are several conflicts of interest even from among family members, which cannot be resolved by any sort of benign umpire from heaven, much less by pretending to be the protector of an “ethnic” interest, or even worse, national interest. There are gender conflicts, even age group conflicts of interest, conflicts of interest between the warriors (the bullies) and ordinary (humble) citizens, between the intellectuals and the licentious, and so forth. A well developed unitary polity with nationally applicable “rule of law”, which is ethnic-blind seems to be the solution, not the so called ‘representatives’ of ethnic interest. (Yohannes Chane Metiku, 2002)
It is my wish, now that the wars are coming to an end, to live happily in peace. All mortals from now shall live like one people, united and peacefully working forwards a common prosperity. You should regard the whole world as your country – a country where the best govern-, with common laws and no racial distinctions. I do not separate people as many narrow minded others do, I’m not interested in the origin or race of citizens. I only distinguish them on the basis of their virtue.
Let me finish saying that if our Gambia society permitted to do what their brain was capable of doing: their incredible entrepreneur skills, needed to make our society achieve development, happiness and living in peace and meaningful life. Moreover, it is the 21st century- no need any more to belief or relay as a social security: tribalism, fake ancestral lands; with that in mind- whether or not we are conscious of it, the alternative or choice is divisions, conflict, repeatable miserable gibberish refugee life
“People who sow seeds of discord by preaching tribalism, racism and religious misunderstanding should find another place to go.” Mwai Kinaki
I dream of Africa where one day her citizens will continue to live as a family, where the joking relationship buried the menace of tribalism.
BY: SAIDINA ALIEU JARJOU
Universal truth. Sadly very scarce practical solutions to end it. I am glad that you mentioned the case of Somalia as in your words “homogeneous” country. If anything, tribalism is a byword for a lack of advancement. For me lack of advancement is not perse due to tribalism but lack of circumspectory leadership. We had just sent off a bad leader, who practiced all menaces you listed above. To me these are failed leadership.
The Dangers Inherit With Ethnic Group Based “Zembo” (Power) Politics Purveyors In The Gambia.
Max, Bourne, and Kemo Touray, Please Simmer down with the Attacks. It only makes you and your travelling cohorts such as Buba Sanyang and Natty Dread Show your True Colors and Natural propensity toward Narrow Ethnic Group Based “Fassaya” Vitriol. “Fassaya”, meaning Taking Sides even when the Side You are, is in the Wrong. Once upon a time, Pa Nderry Mbai was Your “Angel”, Great Gambian Patriot, “Main Man” and all of You “Kissed” the ground he walked on”. That was when he was Savaging and calling APRC AND and especially Former President Yaya Jammeh and his Jola tribe all kinds of names and alleged Crimes under the Sun. He is a “Self-made Journalist” and has been telling the Gambian Saga from his point of view for a long time. Disagree if you wish or want. However, grow up and endeavor to restrain yourself from Veil threats and empty Platitudes. In case you need a therapist, you in the plural that is, do do ASAP. THE TONE OF THE RESOONSE TO PA NDERRY MBAI from the Four of You is Unsettling and Threatning. Such behavior is Not and Should Not be Acceptable or Tolerated. Intolerance and Verbal Abuse is a Sure Sign of Lack of Appropriate and Acceptable Vacabulary and Interpersonal Communications Skills. There is also an Alternative explaination to why it Seems or Appears that Self-righteousness, Self-delusion and Grandiosity is a Trait that is Viral among some you. This is the Virus of Majority Ethnic Group Obsession that Infects and Destroys all Rational and Reasonable thought process and Behavior. It is this kind of Trait, Virus and Personality that is Exhibited by UDP LEADERSHIP and SUPPORTERS who are Again Acting like some of their Father’s, Brothers and Uncles Behaved during the 1960s and 1970s Political Campaigns between PPP AND UP AND later NCP. That is, the Lawless Behavior of Vigilantism and Mob Rule of Ethnic Group Based “Zembo”. Such Uncivilized and Kneejerk Behavior SHOULD not have a Niche or Space in the Modern Gambia. We can Disagree, if we must. However, we must do so in a Manner that would not be Detrimental to the Peace Freedom and Tranquility of the Gambia. Leadership is Not a Matter of Numbers. Leadership is Not Reflexive. Leadership is Mature, Measured and Informed Broad Based or Consensus Decision Making. This is what is Missing in the “New” Gambia” even though, it is this New Gambia that is Supposed to Usher in and Instill an Observable, Real and Sustainable Democratic Dispensation Dividends. That did not happen. UDP’S LEADERSHIP AND PARTY MILITANTS HighJacked the Democratic Dispensation and Turned it into an Ethnic Group Based Rule. UDP REGIME AND SUPPORTERS embarked on a Unilateral Decision Making and Marginalized All other Parties which they Fear may Present a Strong Competing Force in Gambian Politics at the end of the Three Year Transition Period as Agreed To by All Coalition Alliance Parties including UDP Via an MOU Signed by all Eight Coalition Alliance Parties. UDP Regime led by Mai Fatty and Ousainou Darbo especially, have embarked on a Unilateral Diplomatic Negotiations with Senegal and Macky Sall that has not been performed through the Established Protocol and has Not involved the Nation Assembly Members who do have an Oversight Responsibility on matters Concerning the Gambia and Gambians. UDP Regime led by Mai Fatty and Ousainou Darbo have embarked on Selective Arrrests, Detentions and Persecutions of Some Gambians especially, those of the Jola tribe, while leaving those of the fellow UDP Mandinka Ethnic Group. A week does not Pass when UDP Regime led by Mai Fatty and Ousainou Darbo and Co., Have Not Acted, Attempted, Pushed forward a Calculated Agenda or Policy that is Meant to Entrench and Cement a UDP Regime led government and therefore, a Mandinka Hegemony in the GAMBIA. To achieve this, UDP Regime led by Mai Fatty and Ousainou Darbo and Adama Barrow in tow have embarked on a Unilateral Diplomatic and Military Alliance with Macky Sall of Senegal and most Recently with Mali just in Case Macky Sall turns out Not be Acceptable to their Diabolical Design to Dominate and Turn the Gambia into a One Ethnic Group Based “Majority” Hegemony State with its Own Ethnic Paramilitary and Special Forces Ready to Crush any and all Opposition HOWEVER Legitimate. Warning. Mai Fatty and Ousainou Darbo and their Diabolical Design from UDP are busy with ENRICHING THEMSELVES and Building the Military and Organizational Structure and Capacity to Effect Total UDP Mandinka Hegemony Rule With or Without Consent. Wake Up Gambians, Wake Up Patriots. Gambia is More than the Sum Total of One Individual, One Ethnic Group and Region. One Gambia, One People, One Destiny.
The content of your response is well noted
The biggest tribalist in this forum is Sidi Bojang. I’m waiting for him to condemn his mentor the tribalist in chief and the bigot who tried every trick in the book to divide Gambia along tribal lines so he can cling on to power for a billion years, Babili buffoon Jammeh. Writting big essays about Mandinka this Mandinka that, get over it and give us a break. Individuals like you are dangerous and bigoted. All your allegations are baseless and far from the truth.
Please lets be tolerant to one another as such will encourage ha treat which is not the ultimate goal!!
Janjan1, Sidi is not only a bigot he is a major threat yo the peace and security of the Gambia. Our only consolation is that Gambians are in general not tribalist at all. This is evidence in the intermarriage between all tribes in the country. That is what had save us in the past when Jammeh tried to put a wedge between Gambians. Sidi will never succeed where his demi god psychopath Jammeh failed. He has been a lone voiced in his tribal tirade against Mandinkas in this forum.
Like seriously?
Buba Sanyang and Janjan1, I am still waiting for evidence that refutes what I had said or Written. Just because you do not like the Message or Messenger does not make me a Tribalist. Facts are Facts. They are not “Alternative Facts”. We have for over Fifty (50) years Refused to Acknowledge and Accept the Existence of Tribalism and Marginalization in the Gambia for too long. Those who are the True Purveyors of Tribalism and Marginalization in the Gambia, are the ones who Shout the Loudest when people like me and others take on Tribalist behavior Head on. Call me Tribalist, but be Honest and Mature in thought and intelligence to demonstrate that you are Not an Alarmist and Loud Speaker for the Perpetuation of Ethnic Group Based “Zembo” and “Fassaya” Hegemony of the Mandinka kind. Speak our Against Malfeasance Corrupt and Corruptive Practices of the infant UDP REGIME. In less than three months of a UDP Regime led by Mai Fatty, Ousainou Darbo and Adama Barrow, all kinds and manners of Unlawful Arrrests, Detentions and Persecutions of the Jola minority tribe including but not limited to Women, Children and old People have been and continued to be embark on. Predominantly Jola tribe areas of Foni have been Occupied by Senegalese Soldiers Under the cover of ECOMIC. Landmines have been placed in the same Jola tribe Areas affecting INNOCENT JOLA Hard Working Gambian Patriots going about their business of Providing for their families. Last week, an innocent father and his two sons were Blown to bits and Killed by such a Mine due to the Complicity and Aiding and Abetting of Mai Fatty Ousainou Darbo and the “going along Personality of Adama Barrow. Police Chief for about Seven years, Mr. Sonko, who Served under former President Yaya Jammeh and with all reasonable and rational assumptions was involved in the arrest of Solo Sandeng and later Ousainou Darbo himself, is still in his Position while non Mandinka who served under former President Yaya Jammeh in positions of lower Significance, Importantance and Consequence in the Jammeh regime have been summarily Arrested and Detained by Order of Mai Fatty. A lot of Jola tribe Professionals or Employees of the Government have been Maligned, Fired, Dismissed from their Jobs for Nothing but for their “Jolaness”. No Explanation or any Shred of Evidence provided to the Gambian People. They were replaced by Predominantly Mandinka. Radio Stations, Online Radio Stations, the Internet Based News Papers and other means of Communication mediums both Locally and Internationally constantly engage in Insidious, Subliminal Character Assssinations, Threats and Acts of Mob Violence and Vigilantism Against Anyone who Dares Critize UDP’S LEADERSHIP AND PARTY, especially the likes of Mai Fatty, Ousainou Darbo and Adama Barrow. The insulting and audacious assumption of the UDP LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORTERS is that, like the Bad old days of Jawara and Jammeh, those Gambians affected by their Despotice, Dictatorial Behavior and Deeds would be Accepted and Tolerated as a Given. That is why you have Mai Fatty acting like a Detective, Police officer, Judge, Jury and even Chief Justice of the Gambia since December 1 2016. Mai Fatty has been on a Couple of times or more been “Put in his Place” for bitting more than he can chew. He and UDP’S LEADERSHIP are a Danger to the Unity, Peaceful Co-exitence and the Long Term Souvereignty and Security of the Gambia and Gambians of all Ethnic Groups and Region. UDP’S LEADERSHIP AND PARTY MILITANTS such as you, are More of a Security Risk and Liability to the GAMBIA AND GAMBIANS than I would ever be. Your Insidious, Amateurish Political Militancy of Ethnic Group Based Perceived “Zembo” Coupled with the Delusionary and Over Zealous Self-Rightous Hollier than thou Sermons full of Betrayal Camouflaged as “Tactical Coalition” for a Grand Betrayal of Trust of the Gambian People, is what should be Addressed by you and fellow UDP Regime Enablers. The Arrests of One Fatou Badgie, the Jola of Kafenda, the three Jola girls at Talinding, the Harrasment of Foni JOLAS and any Jola or anyone who puts on an APRC Campaign T Shirt, the Insidious, Cynical, Opportunistic Collaboration between the UDP’S LEADERSHIP Newly found Friend in Macky Sall of Senegal for the expressed purpose of getting rid of a Perceived Danger and Enemy in their view, THE JOLA OF GAMBIA AND CASSAMANCE, is Clearly Tribal Based. All Oppressed People have a Basic Guarantee Right to Resist Their Oppressor (s). The attacks on Hon. Halifa Sallah, Omar Jallow aka OJ and anyone including those Mandinka who Speak out and Stand up for a Gambian Society and Political Leadership and Democratic Dispensation that is Egalitarian and Inclusive are Attacked Verbally and Savagely by UDP Regime Supporters Aided and Abetted by Hatred, Vengeance and Retribution filled Venom. I hope that there is a Silent Majority of Decent and Honorable Mandinka still in the Gambia who are yet to Speak up in a Critical Mass to Stop the Madness and Destructive Actions and Behavior of Vigilantism and Mob Rule, Of Violence and Selective Arrrests, Detentions and Persecutions of Some Gambians especially the Jola. After the Jola, it is going to be another Tribe and another that are Perceived to be a Threat to the UDP, LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORTERS. UNLESS UDP AND ITS MILITANTS ARE CHECKED AND STOPPED, the Gambia will be but a Stranger to itself in terms of Trust and Ethnic Co-exitence it was Known for. No, Buba Sanyang and Janjan1, I am getting out Our Collective Dirty Clothes and Skeletons in Our Individual selves, Families, and Compounds that need Cleaning and Drying out in Public. Silence and Pretending Nothing is Wrong, While Your House or Neighbors House Burns is Madness and Destructive to the Collective Good. I am not One to Subscribe to such a Selfish Proposition. Gambia is more than the Sum Total of One Individual, One Ethnic Group and Region. One Gambia, One People, One Destiny.
You are deluded Sidi.