(JollofNews) – I know once again some of you would be asking the obvious question: ‘What on earth has any toubab to do with our social problems?’ My answer is: A lot. What happens in Gambia affects me, not only because globalization has compressed the world, but because I have been a keen observer of Gambia’s socio-political development.
Tribalism was once an issue in Europe, leading to brutal wars among nations. But as soon as Europeans realized that the issue of tribalism is eating away the very foundation of our peace and democracy, we tried to bury it deep. So tribalism is not an African problem; but Africa has chosen to make it a weapon to destruct one another.
Gambia has always been relatively peaceful, but undemocratic. However, with the transition to a full democracy, a lot of Gambians have armed themselves with tribal trademarks. What this does is to slow down the development process of the country, and blind the people to not be able to speak truth to politicians. This is similar to the cultural effects that produced Yahya Jammeh.
I strongly believe that the new government is not organized to support and favor only one tribe; it aims to represent all tribes, no matter what happens in the last 22 years.
A long time ago we had tribalism here, too. People from the middle of Sweden were treated better when compared to those from the south. If a boy from one village sneaked out in the middle of the night to court a girl from another village he could even be caught and killed by the young men from the girl’s village.
That was the tradition. Sweden wasn’t even one country at that time, it was split in several smaller kingdoms and each of them had their own king. All these kings and their soldiers fought for more power, more land and they married women to get more land and by that more power. Marriage had nothing to do with love, only families who could become useful to each other. When Sweden or Europe in general, realized that in order to develop as a people they had to put away their tribal differences, then everyone became open to the idea of cosmopolitanism. People became more open to exotic cultures by intermarrying. Today there are thousands of mixed kids in Sweden whose mothers or fathers are Gambians. The father of Sweden’s Minister of Culture and Democracy, Alice Bah Kuhnke, is a Gambian.
What does all this tell us: Gambians have to move on to decommission their mindsets. For more than twenty years I have been observing Gambian politics, but never in the past decades have we seen such a huge tribal commotion as we have seen in the past months since Adama Barrow came to power. This is not the fault of the government.
Gambians have to choose what type of political culture they want to cultivate: a tribal one where people are castigated for speaking truth to politicians or a rich political culture where everyone’s opinion is equally respected? The earlier you decide, the better, because it is 2017, and the effects of globalization are rendering tribalism obsolete.
The purpose of this letter is not to tell Gambians to forget about their culture and tribes. No! But people need to understand that time has changed and so has traditions. By that, I mean keep what is good and forget the rest. Keep the myths, keep the pride, and keep your language. Teach your children a sense of self respect but also respect for others. The rants on Facebook and Whatssapare bad omens for a country of about two million.
To the young generation of Gambians (I called them the Facebook generation), I am heading to my sixth decades on earth; so I am speaking from experience: tribalism doesn’t get you anywhere. There is no Mandinka Gambia; no Fula Gambia; no Wollof Gambia; no Serahuleh Gambia; no Jola Gambia; no Manjago Gambia; no Aku Gambia; and there is no Serer Gambia. There is only one Gambia – a small oyster where all of you have to accommodate each other.
Eid Mubarak! And my Salibo J
Pirjo Andersson
The author is a Swedish who teaches, plays, and composes music, but she also works with theatre and drama.
Great thought Mrs Andersson!!!
Parents and schools should place great emphasis on the idea. Racism and all the *isms* grow from primitive tribalism,the instinctive hostility against those another tribe ,race ,religion, nationality , class or whatever . You are a lucky child if your parents tough you to accept diversity .
*****For No one is born is born hating another person**** Nelson Mandela.
If Gambia, really the world can only listen to you, there will be peace and love. No more wars, no more suffering. The girls have spoken if only those bad boys will listen. I am not sure they have the capacity judging from some of their immature postings. Nice job sister. Keep it up.
God Bless The Gambia
Gambia will find her way. Watch out for those tired old Western stereotypes about ‘tribalism’. Tribal identity can be a strength.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/01/africa-history-western-eyes
Although not explicitly written, tribalism is written in almost every thing that this new government is doing. Politics based on ethinicity or tribal affiliation is more damaging than dictatorship. Take for example, the recent appointments in the civil service, public service, the security and the heads of public corporations have tribalism written all over them. This does not augurs well for a truly democratic society. It only breeds cronyism, nepotism and inefficiency. In the end a country that was ones described as “an island of competence” will retrogress in one of the most corrupt country where square pegs are filling the round holes. Cheers Madame
Laugh !!!
I am so glad we are leaving Europe>>They do things differently. I think it’s a tribal thing ?
Europe is an USA experiment, put together by the neo-cons.
I thank Ms Andersson for the piece of advice above, even though I at first felt let down by the fact that she never directly pointed to the factors behind this very un-Gambian phenomenon. Indeed, very un-Gambian!
In fact, as I have said in some of my earlier postings much of what Ms Andersson describe as “tribalism” within the confines of the single European nation-state could equally be defined as “prejudice” by the native English speaker. Yes, Europeans have always had ethnic prejudices against one another both domestically and in relation to citizens of their neighbouring countries – so do Gambians and any other nation on the surface of Mother Earth. So long as these prejudices against “others” are not translated into actual acts aimed at harming the interests of the “other”, I maintain that “equating “prejudiced opinions” with “tribalism” is the height of “abuse of language”. I still maintain – and will readily be confirmed both by the available statistics on the ground and history that Sene-Gambians are” African champions on” inter-ethnic” tolerance and harmony”. Our ancestors actually stopped killing each other on account of tribe since the days of the Mali Empire in the fourteenth century – it was the largest multi-ethnic Empire on the African continent at the time. This Empire was ruled by members the Mandingo ethnic group. Arab travel writers described its capital Timbuktu as one of the most peaceful places on earth at the time. I assure the toubabo’o that Senegal and The Gambia proudly maintain this honourable tradition to date among all other constituent regions of this great black west African Empire!
African history shall however remember that the former tyrant used the tribal card as a tool for his own political survival from the outset. Well, in all honesty, should the current attempts in some quarters at igniting the same “primitive – hence unenlightened – tribal prejudices” come as a surprise to any scientifically trained person’s mind? Of course not! The history of Ms Andersson’s continent teaches us that it is in societies where believe and the level of knowledge of science and history are low that such “prejudices” – and not tribe – thrive. Accordingly, perhaps the best way Ms Andersson and like-minded Europeans can help The Gambia in this regard is to directly “adopt” Gambian schools by way of direct financing and equipping them as well as fund the building of more quality institutions of learning in poor little Gambia.
I am sure the readers shall agree with me that that is the surest way of making sure science defeats meta-physics in the not too distant feature. Mass illiteracy on earth in the year of the Lord 2017 is to put it simply a shame on human-kind and a potential threat to our survival as a race – you and I know very well that the “bad guys” fish along such shores.
Gambia and Senegal must accordingly be amongst the least “tribalized” societies in Africa – my dad’s generation regarded tribalism as primitive and backward back in the 1950’s and 1960’s Gambia. Personally, as a child in The Gambia, many of my “uncles/aunts” belong to other ethnic groups. I could however scarcely notice any difference whatsoever among them. These friends of my dads actually remain my “uncles/aunts” for the rest of their lives; I am sure many readers have had similar experiences. Tribalism has therefore very infertile grounds on Gambia soil – and that is a fact!
Very well said by the sister in Sweden and a good advice to the “Face book generation”: no good comes from tribalism. Period. Stay away from it altogether. Cleanse yourselves and disabuse your minds from this cancer that is erroneously promoted as being reflective of who we are. We are Gambians first and last, and that’s what matters and deserves to be promoted.
Though controversial, I strongly believe that affinity to tribe and tribal loyalties belong to the past and societies that want to cling onto this age old phenomenon, no matter how well packaged and presented it may be (and even when some measure of progress has been registered from it), will sooner, rather than later, fall into retrogression, as tribal identity by its very nature, is divisive and perhaps, may even be incompatible with the concept of the modern nation state.
It is not a coincidence that Africa, which still foolishly promotes the idea of ethnic diversity within the nation state, is endlessly grappling with inter-ethnic strife and political conflict, often drawn along ethnic/tribal lines/divide.
As soon as you identify yourself as belonging to this tribe, you have essentially differentiated yourself from your fellow countryman/woman, who may belong to that other tribe and this naturally would eventually lead to the consequences we see in Africa today and The Gambia in the last 2 decades, as nations face economic difficulties and competition for the little intensifies.
The concept of the modern state is a fairly recent one if viewed within the context of human societal evolution, but in spite of this, many societies have made a tremendous and enviable success of it, and it is incumbent upon the rest of us who are still struggling with the concept, to learn from the successes of the successful.
I am pretty certain, even without any research into the subject, that the founding fathers of the modern European Nations, for example, actively and deliberately pursued policies that denigrated ethnic identity to oblivion, whilst creating a citizenry inbued with a strong sense of their national identity. Hence, the homogeneity (if one can call it that) of national identities that we see across most of Europe, especially the Western half. This is not an accident that just happened to be by chance. They worked for it.
For example, in Sweden, everyone is Swedish; Denmark: Danes/Danish; Germany: Germans; England: English;France: French, etc.
Ethnic/tribal identities have all but disappeared in these countries and even where people research their ethnic/tribal origins, it is only to satisfy their curiosities. Certainly, nothing of significance, in terms of their identities, is attached to such research and findings.
This is the only way to build true nation states. We must either go that way or forever, continue to grapple with fraticidal conflicts in the region and its attendant consequences for the entire continent.
Thanks Madam, for you message and wise words..
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 The Gambia where one day her citizens will continue to live as a family, where the joking relationship buried the menace of tribalism.
God save The Gambia…….
Thanks Madam, for you message and wise words..
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 The Gambia where one day her citizens will continue to live as a family, where the joking relationship buried the menace of tribalism.
God save The Gambia…….
Written proof as to why European intellectuals and stage managers should be allowed to talk amongst themselves and never be taken seriously>> meanwhile back in the real world >> Fatou and Lamin are starving in Banjul.
Manneh would cure their empty bellies with a school book, while the Swede would teach them Romeo and Juliet>> smell the coffee.
They don’t struggle for their next meal….. Talk is cheap !
If they had to work for a living they would starve to death.
Sister Pirjo Andersson,
After reading your most educative posting Sister Andersson, I came to the following conclusions:
1) to wither away poverty, educate the entire population
2) to wither away hunger and disease, educate the entire population
3) to wither away corruption and corruptive mechanisms, educate the entire population,
4) to wither away social and economic dependency, educate the entire population
5) to wither away tribalism, educate the entire population
6) to wither away marginalization, educate the entire population
CAN ANYBODY ADD ONTO THE LIST?
Education is the foundation, the pillar for POSITIVE GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT and the withering of the all these VICES. Education HUMANIZES an INDIVIDUAL.
Let’s educate our girls and boys, women and men. Europe did it, America did it, Asia is on the verge…..And Africa, The Gambia?
Allah be praised. Finally Babu Soli is now taking his medication.
Bourne: You excelled again! Babu>>go to the head of the class ! Dr Sarr, my compliments on appreciating wisdom. Manneh and the do gooder from Sweden Listen Learn and admire ? Gambians need no help only resources.
Thank you very much Mr Scales. I just want to add that readers would agree with me that there is absolutely no conflict between Mr Babu Soli’s and my comments above: Indeed they are two sides of the same coin!
Power lays within the ambition of the individual not the State. To read Adam Smith is to be liberated.
Dr Isatou Sarr,
I don’t know your family background, but I may presume you are Kasinko(Serere) or a “jumped up” Wollof. Among Gambia’s mayority tribes. Maybe from the urban area and a well-of family, as well.
I’m the assymetrical to you. From the rural Gambia, a farming family and one of the minority, perhaps unheard-of tribes, The MANSWANKOS. Nonetheless, I have benfitted a lot from the pinch of EDUCATION, I’m holding. My late dad used to tell me these sentences: I quote
“When a mate is wealthier than you, go and acquire education”,
“When a mate is more highly positioned than you, go and acquire education”,
“When a mate is more educated than you, make sure you acquire her/his level or more”.
That’s the only way, he used to reiterate to me, you will NEVER STOOP before, neither hold grudges against a human being. You will NOT beg nor will you have fear!
That’s why I made my life and that of my family, a life of seeking/searching for education. Education to me is everything!
If you educate me to stand for 8 hours a day to make bullets and pay me wages should I do it?
If you educate me to make a Nuclear weapon and pay my wages should I accept it ?
If you educate me to educate others, would that make me wiser ?
Education can be liberating and earn me more wages for less energy expounded and time spent making enough wages.
But one piece in the puzzle of education escapes me?
How do you educate a President to be a President ?
Surely this is the most important education worthy of the effort.
Simple: teach him/her the Constitution.
Lolo>> would that be the Jammeh version of the Halifa version ?
I think for an english protestant the latest version of The King James Bible would always take precedence over what Lawyers and Politicians contrive. Though Halifa at least has put his thoughts into words for faithful consideration, while the others like to pose for photo opportunities.
Please let me consult my think tank on that one. >>>?
The Halifa version? That’s not come out yet, but that would be the ideal one.
Think Tanks are a good resource for the purpose. I recommend the Barrow one, for lack of choice.
Lol>> No choice !!! sounds too much like the last 22 years. Liberation starts with one’s own self. Or as my dear Mother used to say/ She wears a fur coat but can’t afford a pair of knickers. lol
Shush Jack>> Halifa’s reading Bax a bedtime story….
Once upon a time there was this book called the Constitution, it was a wondrous manuscript that told of man’s traverse across the…………
…..and so man was able to live happily ever after.
Yawn x nite nite.
Chapter 29,305
Paragraph 3004
Subsection 56
Clause 7
Should read:
Any majority NAM sharing his/her peppermints with a member of the opposition, would forfeit a whole months sweetie allowance or sit in the naughty corner for the rest of the week.
hahahhaha !!! I can out snore you all and still chew your peppermints. Hola
For me>> it gets worse when I’m still snoring when I wake up. I frighten my cat.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz lolol Meowowowow
Just like many other aspects of life, there’re both positive & negative effects to, including tribalism as already expressed wisely by all above; on the whole, I believe that while we are yet to banish tribal division to history archives, we can explore the positive which binds us to harmonise &/ coexist even when in difficult & trying times; the intertribal &/ regional cousinly joking relationships between our communities are exemplary amongst them…
I think (our) mundane constructive criticisms of the leaderships are amongst the most effective (continuous) ways to educate the presidents; hence humans always remain fallible; especially with the mandates, facilities, influence, expectations, etc that goes with governance when left unchecked; though, I think with the privileges of incumbency, there’re occasions that positive prorogation exercises, such as the current Vice president overseer who’s qualified in all except the purposeful tyrannical age-barrier insertion which is subject to amendment sooner are acceptable amongst others…
Gambian Economic resuscitation needs all & any help required including loans; hence borrowing domestically, as in UK, US & all other places worldwide, will impact within to effectively stimulate positive growth amongst others…
Liberation truly lies in the mind; hence Gambians are now liberated from AUTOCRATIC MURDEROUS OPPRESSION & so hereby utilize our energies anywhere we may be to tirelessly contribute our constitutional quotas truthfully to societal advancements & improvements…
For while the “West” had the opportunity to gangster Africa & rest of the world & pirate most of the resources to continue to exert influence upon struggling economies & countries; (& the abilities to purchase & “wear leather jackets” as Mike’s “nana posited”; most of them lately, without knickers wore underneath” although affordable to them); Gambia needs the critical-thinking & domestic innovative explorations & less reliance on any exorbitant services borrowing to stimulate positive societal growths…
Hear Michael Scales “…don’t believe all in the British press, Bajaw…” BUT Mike won’t hesitate to go for bait, line & sink in attempts “to provoke debates” …?
Rectification please – prorogation – should read – positive prerogative exercises – thank you very much.