By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Political and tribal disunity can have serious consequences for a country, leading to a standstill in government and a lack of progress on important issues.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, including deep-seated cultural and historical divides, political rivalries, and conflicting interests and goals among different groups within the country.
In some cases, political and tribal disunity can lead to conflict and violence, as different groups compete for power and resources. This can create a cycle of violence and instability, making it difficult for the governments to effectively govern and address the needs of the people.
This is practically evident in Sierra Leone. Tribal and political instability has not only murdered the swift progress of Sierra Leone but has equally spilled drums of innocent blood, painting horrible images to the country.
Unknowingly, this is one amongst the hidden major effect holding the progress of Sierra Leone.
Recalling, the recent horrific incidents that has caused so many pains and lost of lives to Sierra Leoneans, kept the world doubtfully thinking if Sierra Leoneans do learn moral lessons from their pasts.
Reminiscing the tragic events the country had been through, such activities must have remained to exist only in the world of dreams.
From a critical perspective, it is crystal clear that most of the violent occurrences that had taken place were ignited and triggered by tribal and political disunity.
The citizens of the country allow politicians to play with their mindsets and thereby causing them to develop negative political lenses. And, this is detrimental to the peace and development of any country.
“I belong to this certain tribe and party ‘A’ is our political party. Therefore, I will never vote for anyone who does not belong to our political party,” a source revealed in an exclusive interview.
It is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that a good set of Sierra Leoneans hold on to this unpatriotic and undemocratic view. This has the tendency of placing the wrong person in the right position and thereby retarding the progress of the country.
Political and tribal disunity is not only a characteristic of the common Sierra Leoneans but it is also a tumult running in the brains of majority of the elites people in the country. From a clear vintage point, the issue of tribal and political disunity can be pictured right in public offices and political appointments.
Citizens in the country are being appointed or given jobs not by merits but based on sentiments, tribal and political affiliations. ‘I was indirectly sacked because I was caught outside talking a certain local language,’ in an exclusive interview, a source allegedly disclosed. The ramifications of such activities are disastrous and have the proclivity of killing the progress of any nation.
And, it was once said by PLO Lumumba that, “Third world is a state of the mind, and until we change our attitudes as Africans, if there is a fourth, fifth and sixth world, we will be in it.
Addressing this issue, it is important for leaders to work towards finding common ground and building bridges between different groups. This may involve engaging in dialogue and finding ways to address the concerns and needs of all sides. It may also require making tough decisions and compromises in order to move the country forward.
Ultimately, overcoming political and tribal disunity requires a willingness to put aside differences and work together towards a common goal. By building trust and cooperation, it is possible to create a more united and cohesive society, and to move the country towards a brighter future.