Ethnic Politics and Chieftaincy Struggles in Sierra Leone: A Threat to National Unity

The article discusses the impact of ethnic politics and chieftaincy conflicts on national unity in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the Gorama Mende Chiefdom crisis. It traces the historical context of ethnic divisions since independence, highlighting political trends and the outcomes of civil war. The need for solutions to manage these divisions includes electoral reform, promoting interethnic education, and fostering inclusive governance practices for lasting stability.

Ethnic politics and chieftaincy struggles have significantly influenced the socio-political environment in Sierra Leone. The situation in Gorama Mende Chiefdom exemplifies how deep political ties and tribal affiliations can spark conflict, putting national unity at risk. This crisis centers on the division between the Muslim community supporting Chief Gassama and the Wonde Secret Society backing Chief Kallon, and it has historical roots in their Mandingo ancestry.

The perpetual chieftaincy dispute threatens to escalate into broader ethnic tensions, as it highlights the intertwining of traditional institutions with political ambitions. This trend has previously impacted national elections, as evidenced by the ethnic strife in Biriwa Chiefdom during the 2018 elections. To effectively address these dangers, it is crucial to understand the influence of ethnic and political divides in Sierra Leone since gaining independence in 1961.

Upon independence, Sierra Leone was left with a fragmented political arena shaped by colonial favoritism towards certain ethnic communities. The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) emerged primarily supported by the Mende group, while the All People’s Congress (APC) garnered its base from Temne and Limba ethnicities. Each party reflected and reinforced the existing ethnic divisions in the political landscape.

Initially, Prime Minister Sir Milton Margai aimed to foster national unity, yet ethnic favoritism soon arose under his successors. His death led to his half-brother Albert Margai’s rule, which was criticized for favoring Mende interests, resulting in discontent among Northerners and an escalation of ethnic-based political opposition.

In 1968, Siaka Stevens seized power via a military coup, abolishing multi-party democracy while consolidating authority preferentially towards the Temne and Limba groups. This marginalization of the Mende reinforced feelings of exclusion, which heightened ethnic tensions over the years. Following the weak governance of Joseph Saidu Momoh in 1985, these rifts eventually set the stage for the civil war from 1991 to 2002.

Although the civil war was not driven by ethnicities, political disenfranchisement and economic inequalities served to intensify existing ethnic grievances, particularly among the Mende population. The aftermath of the war saw the collapse of state institutions, the displacement of paramount chiefs, and ongoing distrust among ethnic groups, with ramifications that have persisted into the present day.

After the war, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah of the SLPP advocated for unity in Sierra Leone, yet favoritism towards Mende areas continued, demonstrating half-hearted efforts at reconciliation. The emergence of the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) in 2007 expressed dissatisfaction with SLPP governance, ultimately leading to the APC’s electoral victory.

Although Ernest Bai Koroma’s administration from 2007 to 2018 initiated economic reforms, accusations of regional favoritism persisted, particularly towards the North. Subsequent elections illustrated the continued impact of ethnic tensions, as seen in the Biriwa Chiefdom’s influence on results. Julius Maada Bio’s ascension to the presidency in the 2018 elections marked a shift amidst these ongoing fractures.

The Gorama Mende conflict underscores the necessity for reform in chieftaincy and political structures to avert future crises. Establishing non-political criteria for traditional leadership and impartial dispute resolution mechanisms could mitigate ethnic tensions. Emphasizing interethnic education and promoting national consciousness can also aid in healing the divides.

The establishment of a National Reconciliation and Mediation Commission will address local conflicts before they escalate while enhancing the peacebuilding roles of chiefs and civil society. Political parties must commit to equitable representation and fair distribution of development projects, while electoral reforms like proportional representation can diminish ethnic voting.

Lastly, it is imperative to enforce strict prohibitions against ethnic-based political campaigning, imposing penalties on politicians exploiting tribal differences to consolidate power. Sierra Leone faces daily struggles with ethnic and political divisions intertwined with governance and civic issues, culminating in the Gorama Mende crisis as a critical indicator of unresolved ethnic conflicts. By rejecting tribal politics and reinforcing inclusive governance, Sierra Leone can aspire to attain lasting peace and equitable development for all its citizens.

In summary, the intertwining of ethnic politics and traditional chieftaincy struggles poses significant threats to Sierra Leone’s national unity. The Gorama Mende conflict is emblematic of deeper regional and ethnic divides that have evolved since independence. To foster lasting peace and stability, Sierra Leone must cultivate inclusive political practices, embrace diverse representation, and reinforce institutions promoting unity over division.

Original Source: www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com