By Mani Kumba
Anti-tribalism movement which aims at combating tribal insult and its related malice is expected to be launched before end of 2020.
A man behind the movement, Kebba Ceesay, 54, said: “The Gambia is one family and one tribe. In each family there are various tribes due to marriage and settlement and other forms of association such as friendship or being colleagues.”
“No family composed of only a single tribe. Every family has other tribes who came in as wives or husbands and therefore their children have aunts, uncles and cousins from other tribes,” he said.
He described tribalism as ‘corruption and discrimination’ intended to perpetuate exploitation and oppression, saying “tribalism does not mean love for your tribe rather it is a threat to tribes.”
“Tribal politics has severely polarized our society that we are blaming one another. We cannot make progress and everyone is complaining. We insult each other on WhatsApp forums and on other social media in general,” Mr Ceesay said.
“Tribal politics does not help any tribe rather it helps only the politicians and public officials to get power, resources and privileges. Politicians are in the habit to sing the songs of tribe to confuse their people, as they will say the issue is about tribe, when it is not,” he disclosed.
According to him, tribalism is anti-religion and anti-God saying “God did not create tribes to hate one another, noting that believers in Allah cannot be tribalism.”
He urged political parties to always preach peace and advocate love among Gambians. He noted that tribalism takes place mainly in politics but not taking place in the social and cultural area otherwise there will be no intermarriage or living together in the country.
He added that tribalism only harm this nation, delay national progress and injure national unity. Therefore, he urged, all and sundry to unite and support the movement in maintaining peace and stability.