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Tribalism-The Banes of Liberia’s
Problem By: FELMAUSA VP, Hon: Mohammed S. Kromah 08 April, 2010  The
recent misunderstanding between the Lormas on one hand and the Mandingos
on the other in Lofa County poses another threat to the fragile peace
being enjoyed in Liberia currently.This assertion is based on the past experience witnessed by the nation in the early stages of the Liberian civil war which claimed the lives of thousands of people with unimaginable proportion of damages done to properties at state and private levels. It is quite clear that the Liberian civil war took a worst turn only when it assumed tribal dimension. Men and women along with their children were selectively killed or maltreated because they belonged to one tribe or the other. This sad situation continued to linger on the minds of people who became victimized by the actions of unscrupulous individuals who hold no loyalty to the Liberian state or other than the pursuit of selfish interests. This became glaring when some of those who shouted with loud voice chanting the songs of patriotism and nationalism soon became agent of misappropriation and vandalism for all that this nation holds dear to heart. It is quite disturbing that while we are trying to celebrate the dividend of our nascent democracy, there are still elements in our society who feed on rumors and devilish practices such as tribalism and religious bigotry to destabilize the peaceful population. What took place in Lofa in recent times is criminal and should therefore, be treated as such. The people of Lofa like any other county deserve the rights to live in peace and harmony. Those opposed to the peaceful co-existence must be made to account for every bit of their actions. This should be done without discrimination. President Sirleaf’s administration has invested so much in peace, but needs to be mindful of those who are bent on reserving the gains made so far towards the rebuilding process. One step that is being taken to strengthen the justice system cannot be over looked. But this area still needs more attention. The proper dispensation of justice is a hallmark of good governance under a democratic setting. Therefore, the government cannot afford to remain complacent with the current inconsistencies in our justice system. On the contrary extra efforts should be exerted to ensure that the rule of law which is hinged on the impartiality of justice system is protected at all time. Tied to the current crisis in Lofa is the incessant land dispute in Nimba. Without going into much detail, it is quite clear that significant number of people living in Nimba or outside have been illegally deprived do their properties. We understand the feeble attempts by the previous commission to find amicable solution to the land and properties disputes did not yield any fruit. This was in fragrant violation of the finding and recommendations made the commission to the effect that the said land and properties be given to their rightful owners. This situation in Nimba once again has the potential to undermine the effort of Ellen’s administration as she is being portrayed as paying lip service to the issue. This is why we believe that President Sirleaf should exert more effort towards resolving this land dispute, not only in Nimba but to other counties as well. At this point we cannot afford to ignore the efforts of some Nimba law makers most especially Hon. Prince Johnson who has been very bold to admit that those squatters should with immediate effect quit those lands and return those land to their rightful owners. The same was echoed by the former internal affair minister Ambulaye Johnson in a letter addressed to then the city mayor of Ganta, instructing her to effect the eviction order of the squatters but to no avail. However one is hopeful that with the establishment of the land commission coupled with the recently formed committee. This perennial land dispute in Nimba most especially Ganta would be brought to halt. Will the government Munster courage to act and quickly? Finally this writer is of a strongest convection that giving the circumstances, president Sirleaf’s Administration is doing well. Remember we came out of 14 years of conflict which was characterized by wide spread destruction of lives and properties. What the Liberians really need at this time is patient, courage and commitment towards the rebuilding process of our dear country. In this regard the current leadership is under obligation to create an enabling environment for the peace coexistence of citizenry. Bearing in mind that any attempt to neglect the right of any segment of the Liberian society would be counterproductive, we urge President Sirleaf’s Administration to take serious steps towards resolving some of the burning issues such as the land and property dispute in Ganta Nimba County and the Tribalism that has resurface in Lofa county, if left unattended to has the potential to erode the entire peace process. But will she watch these things and act accordingly? |
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