The Anachronism of Tribal Politics and the need for Forgiveness and Reconciliation- Writes Captain Kanteh

By Capt(Rtd) Alhajie Kanteh

Dear Editor,

Allow me space to add my voice to the call for restraint in wake of the outrage following the introduction of a controversial thread by Lt. Col. Samsedeen Sarr- tribalism in our body politics. Like many others I have failed to locate the rational behind such a divisive issue as a subject of debate within the Gambian fraternity.

The response to the so-called debate I am afraid, has left my former colleague in the cold. It appears beyond every shadow of doubt that public opinion among Gambians tend to point to one simple thing- the dangers of tribal division and the way to avert its prospects. As a former senior officer in the GNA, Sarr aught to have known better in these troubling times, not to do anything that would tantamount to fuelling tribal tension within our people.

Mr Editor, while I have no intentions to go into specifics here, I thought it appropriate not only to state my position on this matter of national importance but also suggest a way out of the unfortunate situation. It is my assessment that Mr Sarr has erred, and to err is human. But the way out of this impasse is for him to admit his mistake and ask for forgiveness. That I believe, would be a truly magnanimous gesture from an intellectual of his standing, just the way he has done in the Dr Manneh-qualification-saga. To admit one`s mistake is not a weakness. Thereafter, I guess, the public would be understanding and forgiving.

In any case, lessons ought to be learned from this episode. Freedom of speech in fulfillment of intellectual quest should not be an excuse to muddy the waters of societal harmony. In the history of our beloved country tribalism has never divided the people to a point of conflict. We have more urgent matters to see to at this crucial time.