Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: What lessons can Gambian politicians, populist Imams, journalists, and tribal leaders draw from the 1994 Rwanda Genocide and the ongoing fake news crisis? The propagation of identity politics and religious intolerance by politicians, alongside journalists who are seemingly compromised and on the payrolls of political and tribal figures, is perplexing and starkly contrasts with the national pursuit of peace, harmony, and stability in The Gambia.
The rising tribalism sentiments in our national discourse, both on social media and traditional media, seem suspect and likely a ploy to gain political advantage. Politicians across the spectrum appear to be leveraging this trend to regain their waning influence by capitalizing on the perilous blend of public naivety, ignorance, and gullibility in an attempt to stage a comeback.
In The Gambia, tribalism, religious extremism, and populist politics are pervasive issues that continue to impede national unity and progress. The prevalent double standards and duplicity do not contribute to healing the existing divisions. Many politicians are ethnic bigots and tribal lords, exploiting tribalism as a political instrument. Ironically, those who levy accusations of tribalism are often the most significant tribal lords themselves. These tribal lords have co-opted the media and activists to further their tribal agendas. A considerable portion of the media and many journalists are under the influence of these tribal lords and politicians, promoting tribalism and exhibiting biases. Most media outlets, journalists, and social media activists are tribal agents posing as impartial journalists and activists. The irony lies in the fact that these tribal politicians and self-proclaimed activists, who engage in tribal politics, are often individuals who have not married within their own tribes, yet they exploit tribalism for political gain.
Fatoumatta: Educating and sensitizing people about the perils of tribalism and the significance of nurturing a national identity is imperative. Tribalism erodes democratic principles and social unity, diverting attention from policy and governance to ethnic loyalties. This impedes progress and breeds animosity and distrust among ethnic groups. To combat this, acknowledgment of the issue is the first step, followed by fostering an inclusive culture that respects diversity. Political leaders should transcend tribal biases to forge a cohesive and thriving nation, leading by example, eschewing divisive rhetoric, and championing unity and solidarity.
Fatoumatta: Civic education is crucial in this context. Educating citizens about the perils of tribalism and the significance of national unity can lead to a more informed and united society. Schools, community groups, and media outlets all have roles in communicating this message. Additionally, holding politicians accountable for their words and deeds is imperative. Voters should insist that leaders place the collective welfare above tribal ties. Electing officials based on policy and ability, rather than tribal connections, can disrupt the persistent tribalism in politics..
I advocate for kindness towards humanity at all times. However, my understanding of kindness extends beyond the limited political definition held by some Gambian journalists and populist imam politicians, which often doesn’t go further than their own ambitions and tends to emerge only when their political standing is at risk. My studies on Rwanda have made me acutely aware of how the irresponsible maneuvers of unscrupulous politicians can thrust a tranquil nation into a maelstrom of civil wars, resulting in bloodshed, death, and a country reduced to less than a jungle.
It is both unfortunate and unpatriotic for politicians and their followers to exploit events as platforms to address their political woes by condemning tribal bigotry, tribal sentiments, and religious fanaticism, especially when they, along with every sensible Gambian, are cognizant of the true issues at hand. Such actions should be viewed as a significant obstacle to the current efforts aimed at healing, reconciliation, and the restoration of peace, not just in The Gambia but also in addressing the challenges of ethnic chauvinism and religious populism perpetuated by certain clerics in agreement with a compromised media.
The 1994 Rwanda Genocide teaches us vital lessons: hate speech, divisive identity politics, and misinformation can have devastating effects. It is imperative for Gambian politicians, populist imams, and journalists to heed this somber historical event and strive to promote unity, peace, and stability. The media must play a pivotal role in disseminating truthful information and ensuring leaders are held responsible, instead of serving as instruments for political exploitation.
Journalists, media, politicians, religious leaders, and some educated individuals, including community and traditional leaders, played significant roles in the Rwandan genocide. Their actions and rhetoric were instrumental in spreading hate and inciting violence. Similarly, Gambian politicians, imams, social activists, and feminists, under the guise of advocacy, must be aware of the potential for a situation akin to Rwanda if social media is misused for political purposes. The irresponsible use of social media by politicians seeking political advantage can lead to grave outcomes, thus caution and responsibility are essential.
In short, it is crucial for Gambian politicians and journalists to give precedence to the national agenda for peace and unity. By drawing lessons from history and adhering to ethical standards, they can contribute to a more stable and cohesive Gambia. We must eschew divisive politics and collaborate towards a prosperous future for all Gambians.
Fatoumatta: In conclusion, addressing tribalism in The Gambia requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. By promoting inclusivity, educating the population, and holding leaders accountable, we can move forward in healing divisions and building a more unified and prosperous country. Our aim is to create a Gambia where every person, regardless of ethnic background, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.
