The article analyzes the persistent effects of ethnic politics and chieftaincy disputes in Sierra Leone, particularly highlighted by the Gorama Mende crisis. It traces historical divisions stemming from colonial policies to contemporary challenges in governance and national elections. The author emphasizes the need for structural reforms and inclusive policies to foster national unity and avert ongoing conflicts fueled by ethnic rivalries.
Ethnic politics and traditional chieftaincy struggles have significantly influenced Sierra Leone’s socio-political dynamics. The ongoing conflict in Gorama Mende Chiefdom exemplifies how entrenched political ties and tribal identities can incite discord, jeopardizing national unity. Central to this situation is the division between the Muslim community, which backs the deposed Paramount Chief Gassama, and the Wonde Secret Society, which supports the caretaker Chief Kallon. Although both families share Mandingo roots, their integration into the Mende ethnic group occurred at different historical junctures, adding complexity to their rivalry.
Failure to address this conflict could lead to an expanded dispute between the Gassama and Kallon families, further entrenching divisions within the Mende-Mandingo communities. This situation mirrors broader trends where traditional authority intertwines with political interests, a phenomenon that has recently impacted national elections, as evidenced by the ethnic conflict in Biriwa Chiefdom during the 2018 elections. To understand these dangers, it is essential to examine the historical context of ethnic and political divides in Sierra Leone since its independence in 1961.
Upon gaining independence, Sierra Leone inherited political fragmentation resulting from British colonialism’s preferential treatment towards specific ethnic groups. This heritage shaped the emergence of two dominant political parties: the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC). The SLPP, established in 1951, primarily garnered support from the Mende ethnic group in the Southern and Eastern Provinces, representing the traditional ruling elite, while the APC, founded in 1960, drew its base from the Temne and Limba ethnic communities in the North.
Despite initial efforts by Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai to foster national unity, subsequent leadership saw increased ethnic favoritism under Albert Margai, which alienated Northerners and intensified opposition politics. Siaka Stevens assumed power through a military coup in 1968, leading with repressive tactics that suppressed dissent and curtailed multi-party democracy. His regime predominantly advanced the interests of the Temne and Limba at the expense of the Mende, thereby deepening political and economic divisions.
Joseph Saidu Momoh, who took charge in 1985, further exacerbated ethnic tensions through ineffective governance and a neglect of national grievances, paving the way for the civil war that ensued from 1991 to 2002. While the war was not overtly ethnic, it was fueled by socio-economic disparities and political marginalization, particularly in Mende-majority regions suffering from abandonment by the APC government. The war’s toll included the dismantling of state institutions and heightened ethnic mistrust, leaving enduring power vacuums in traditional leadership.
Even after the conflict’s resolution in 2002, Sierra Leone struggled with lingering ethnic and political fractures. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah of the SLPP won the elections on a mandate of unity, yet the post-war landscape saw continued ethnic favoritism in development initiatives, primarily favoring Mende areas. The emergence of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) following discontent within the SLPP’s base contributed to the SLPP’s electoral defeat in 2007, resulting in Ernest Bai Koroma’s APC assuming power and continuing a trend of regional favoritism during his tenure until 2018.
The 2018 elections highlighted the role of ethnic tensions in determining outcomes, particularly the discord in Biriwa Chiefdom involving the Mandingoes and Limbas. Julius Maada Bio’s campaign effectively harnessed public dissatisfaction, leading to his electoral success. The ongoing crisis in Gorama Mende serves as a stark reminder of how chieftaincy conflicts, secret societies, and intersecting political affiliations remain pivotal in Sierra Leonean politics.
To avert future crises, Sierra Leone must implement strategies addressing these ethnic and political divides. It is imperative that traditional leadership maintains neutrality while ensuring the government enforces independent, non-partisan chieftaincy elections and establishes robust mechanisms for dispute resolution to prevent state interference. Education systems should promote interethnic historical narratives, while religious and media outlets must foster a spirit of national unity over tribalism.
Additionally, the creation of a National Reconciliation and Mediation Commission could facilitate the preemptive resolution of local disputes. Chiefs, religious figures, and civil organizations should embrace expanded roles in peacebuilding efforts, while political parties must commit to equitable representation of all ethnic groups. Fair allocation of development resources across regions will help mitigate grievances, supported by electoral reforms to reduce ethnic favoritism, including a stringent prohibition on ethnic-based political campaigning.
The ethnic and political fracturing of Sierra Leone poses significant challenges to national stability, as illustrated by the Gorama Mende crisis. To ensure lasting peace and foster societal cohesion, it is vital to promote inclusive governance, reinforce neutral traditional leadership, and implement comprehensive reforms that address historical grievances. By engaging all factions equitably and dispelling tribal divisions, Sierra Leone can strive towards a more unified, peaceful future.
Original Source: www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com
