Yankuba Sinera, President of the Dynamic Association has frowned at caste base violence in Soninke Communities in The Gambia following caste clash in URR.
In a statement sent to The Voice reads….
The ongoing caste based violence involving the so-called slaves (Komo) and freeborn (Horo) is steadily increasing in most of our Gambian societies and Sarahuleh communities in particular which if not curtail could result to intra ethnic war thereby threatening the peaceful coexistence in the Gambia and the sub region at large.
With the recent scuffle in Diabugu and eventual loss of a life in Garawol, if appropriate measures are not taken, it is highly likely that the freeborn (Horo) will retaliate for the death of their kinsmen thus is very important for the relevant stakeholders in Sarahuleh communities to look into the issue holistically with urgency to deescalate the unending tension in our communities.
Incredibly, it is a common fact that, mental slavery is still prevalent in most of the Soninke societies in the Gambia whilst the physical slavery was fade away decade’s ago with coming of civilization. Given the acrimony and bad blood among people of the same tribe the issue of caste system seems to be unending very soon.
The endless attacks and counter claims on social media Whatsapp is becoming alarming which is resulting to undesirable consequences in the sub region including Mali, Senegal and Mauritania. With the emerging social revolutionary front fighting traditional caste system such as “Gambanaxu Fedde” is spreading tentacles across the across Soninke nations including the Gambia.
It is in record that a similar turbulence clashes have occurred in Koina, Bajaha Kunda, Diabugu and Gawarol which is indicative of the so-called slaves (Komo) bitterness about the purported social class issue which Section 20 of the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia frowned at stating “No person shall be held slave or force labor” and Article 5 of the African charter on Human and Peoples rights.
Additionally, It is quite evident that, the issues of caste system is deep rooted and could not be easily extinct but with time and appropriate sensitization with the help of religious leaders (Sumpu Ndo Khatti ), representative of youth associations(Dynamic and Sydo) , wise men of our society and relevant regional structures the issue will be conclusively resolved.
