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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Aug 2006 : 23:55:53
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Brikama in Western division has been a major player in Gambian politics at various stages from pre independenec to the second republic and also a major point of resistance.
Brikama, which from a mingka wrod BRIN KAMO, has now surpassed it original meaning and humble beginings. Its the IOWA of Gambian politics.
Brikama gave voice to PPP and according to historians, Nyambai Forest was a key meeting point or rendez vous. It is believed that in Nyambais forest, many swore allegiance to the new PPP party.
I am not sure if as a result of this importance that the Jawaras sttled there from Barajalley.
In 1981, Brikama was the bed rock of resistance to Senegalese troops invasion to restore Jawara. Again, Nyambai Forest played a key role in recruiting and harboring the " civil defense" forces. That explained why Senegalese troops have for a long time stationed in Brikama.
In 1994, Brikama again led the demonstrations against selling of water at public standpipes of the PPP regime. i believe a bucket of water was 25 or 50 butut. This discontent gave way to more popular discontent and the courage to stand up and criticize openly. Eventually AFPRC seized upon the Brikama "revolt" as a basis to restore sanity in government.
Brikama also gave us Tuti Faal, former wife of Junkung but it was in Brikama that we saw the beginning of the end of the marriage in heaven.
It was also in Brikama that the test of the might of the GREEN BOYS came to fruition in the famous mosque skirmishes and eventual jailing of Imam Touray. Many casualties followed including Kaba. Brikama had always been the first place to resist. It was the beginning of the end of political interference in mosque administration and eventual demise of the July 22 Movement.
With elections only two months away, is there any one who can share the mood in this historic town of ours. Brikama seems to speak for all of us when no one spoke. It is the bedrock of resistance and political survival. Most parties kick off campaigns there or end there. Even APRC seems to notice this importance.
IF YOU CANNOT WIN IN BRIKAMA, YOU HAVE LOST THE ELECTON.
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taalibeh
Gambia
336 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 11:12:31
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| This is a very valid observation about Brikama. Surely everyone can coroborate these facts. WELL DONE BRIKAMA. |
Taalibeh |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 11:14:56
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| Kons, i will look at brikama differently now, everytime i visit there it seems like a second capital. so many schools and houses are being developed. I think it could be a new centre for business, not everything has to be in Banjul. and its nearer the airport. |
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BambaLaye
USA
100 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 15:17:41
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Kondorong: I thought everything about is short, but you sure don't have a short circuit up in your head 
You're unto something here. I have lots to share with you on the importance of Brikama in Gambian politics but I'm short of time at the moment.
One thing I assure you is that we the poeple of Brikama, we take this thing very seriously. No politician will ever tell you they had an easy ride with the people of Brikama. Those readers from Brikama will perhaps remember the times of the late Sanjally Bojang, and the various Youth Movements. Election campaigns were some of the best times of my childhood in Brikama. The drama was abundant and who will ever forget those late night "SIKO" dance sessions in support of various candidates (both NCP and PPP had their SIKO JALOLU).
There are historical, social, economical and demographic reasons as to why Brikama is significant in every national election. Others can chime in but I will try to find sometime to say a few on these soon.
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 15:55:07
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| I think its quit simple. The weight of the number of voters from Brikama and the Western division is almost 25 % of the whole Gambia. So if you win there you have a big step forward to gain the elections. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 19:50:22
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Jack
Most people from the interior seem to have Brikama as a hop for Kombo St. Mary’s Division. Secondly, people who have settled in this town have clung unto traditions of where they come from. It’s only in Brikama within the urban areas where the concept of BULUNG DA is still in existence. Irrespective of its sheer size, traditional structures and institutions are still in tact. The Sannehs Tourays and Bojangs have still maintained the tripartite roles of religion, legislation and local government. It has ever remained so to this day.
Individual alkalos in the suburbs still derive their authority to these families. What happened between Sukuta and Sancha Sulay Jobe will not likely happen in Brikama. I had my own personal experiences there that in Brikama all roads lead to Bojang, Sanneh and Touray kundas.
The mood in Brikama as a town seems to speak for the whole country especially outside of Banjul and Kombo St. Mary’s division. Any potential political aspirant cannot down play the role of this town.
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 19:55:08
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| Kon, what is the concept of Bulung Da ? |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 20:08:58
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You are missing the point here. It’s not the western division i am looking at. I am looking at Brikama as a town and not as part of a constituency. One advantage Brikam has is that of its diversity especially the population of the rural folks.
In addition, Brikama gave us the April 10, student massacre. The student who was tortured by members of the fire department happened in Brikama. The eventual galvanization of the Gambian student body to resist the security forces derived their authority from Brikama. It has been the first to stand up for justice in many instances in the Gambia.
It was in Brikama that the famous saint Omar Futi resided. Legend had it that when he arrived at the market, he was attend to by a woman who took him home cooked a hot meal for him. He prayed for the town and its women. He prayed for three things, which have all come to pass.
1. That the town will be very important both politically and economically. Brikama is the residence of Waa Juwara commonly known as MBARODI (LION). In fact the two most important people in the then AFPRC derive some sense of belonging to this town.
2. That the wealth that is generated in the town will stay in Brikama. I am not aware of any mass exodus of finance from Brikama. Just like Las Vegas commercial says: what happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas, so it is safe to say that what is earned in Brikama stays in Brikama. Not many have broken this chain yet.
3. That the women will have authority in the town. Brikama raised many powerful women politicians both in the PPP, NCP and UDP who exerted influence across the interior of the Gambia. In Brikama, women are in charge no doubt abbot that. Their economic power and independence is there for all to see.
It was also in Brikama that the first government land allocation has stalled. The estate just adjacent to the Gambia College, which was already demarcated and distributed to people, is yet to take off almost 13 years now. The people of Brikama rose to defend what is theirs. Surveys have already been done but the people of Brikama stood ground. What happened in Brufut could not happen in Brikama for 13 years now. Even the APRC could not continue with the estate.
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 20:20:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Jack
Kon, what is the concept of Bulung Da ?
Bulung Da is a council of Elders quite functional in our traditional societies mostly in Mandingo culture.
The council of Elders are composed of only FAMILIES WHO CAN TRACE THEIR ORIGINS TO THE FOUNDING OF A SETTLEMENT. Being merely born there does not guarantee you access to this group no matter how rich or influential. The origianl inhabitants have carbved this right for themselves and their decision is final.
Its mostly the head of each family that attends and is shroude in secrecy. Its much like a cult and memebership is by birth and also through the founding of the settlement.
That is why when there are political disputes there, this group meets to decide the way forward. Gradually they are loosing their hold but they still can bite. They still have many teeth left. It is what can be called the KANDAS of the society. They are opinion leaders who have large loyal following.
The only the group that had enjoyed some sort of free hand are the descendants of Kaabunkas whose parents came to their rescue against the Bai Nunkas who waged war on them. To this day, there is an unwritten alliance between the BULUNG DA and Kaabu descendants especially with Sanneh Kunda. |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 20:26:59
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Brikama
well Omar futi (alh Omar Taal) was simply on his way into the Casamance so he stayed in many places after crossing from barra to banjul, bakau, gunjur,etc
Brikama is also the home to religious fundamentalism. its a serious problem that they should control.
brikama is not important economically. it cannot march banjul, Serrekunda, Soma or Basse.
also many towns still keep those alkali/imam traditions you are talking about.
but you are right Brikama is important politically but i think this is due to the strong historical figures who had influence in politics when Chieftancy was important. i think they also used to have Mansa Bengo there. also it is the first major town from the provinces and the last if you're going out. after Brikama you are more or less in a rural environment.
i dont think it matters now. as a town Brikama will not determine the results.
i thought the Kaabunka themselves were refugees running for their life when the fulas almost finished them
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Edited by - njucks on 08 Aug 2006 20:30:10 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 20:34:43
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You have a right to be entitled to your opinion. Whether it was by accident or not, the town seems to be very lucky with events in the country.
Certainly not many towns as big as Brikama have been able to cling unto their imam roles. Ask the people of Bundung for example. The house of Bundung fought hard to keep the control of this and for many years, the mosque at London Corner could be allowed to emerge as a full mosque capable of conducting Friday prayers without endorsement. Today, people of bundung mange to break free. Brikama still pulls the strings in some form.
Can you share your assertion of religious fundamentalism. |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 20:43:03
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i cant remember properly but i think a police station was attacked by some islamic students in one of the madrasas and there was a time whether it was in the ramadan or not when girls were being beaten up for wearing ''inappropiate clothes''.
cant remember exact dates |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 20:49:34
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STOP THAT NJUKS,
i have kabu conections.i hope you have not married a Kombonka wife
No. They did not run away as refugees. Actually we came to rescue the people of Kombo when they were nearly wiped out by the Bainunkas. Remeber Kaabu had all the NYANCHOS, AND KORINGS. Kaabu naturally were war like who always came to rescue many people.
Without Kaabu, Kombo would have been taken over by the Bai Nunkas |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 21:03:07
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quote:
Originally posted by njucks
i cant remember properly but i think a police station was attacked by some islamic students in one of the madrasas and there was a time whether it was in the ramadan or not when girls were being beaten up for wearing ''inappropiate clothes''.
cant remember exact dates
The same things happened in Serrekuna market. Indescent dress was not tolerated. I think there was a sudden surge within the kombos and Banjul for moral enforcement. It coincided with religious revival especially with the advent of the like of Imam Fatty, Bun Jeng, Hatab Bojang, Dr. Mangun, Oustass Jah and especially with the TV which gave wider coverage. Hitherto, religious education was exclusively dominated by few families who pulled the strings. People had very few options or places to go to.
The suppressed need for knowledge, and its resultant availabilty through books, TV has also played a role. The "new converts" therfore became more out spoken.
Also significant was the new wave of islamic scholars in the gambia especially with the introduction of DAWA, formerly not practiced. the term MASSALAH became synonymous to those who embark on religious crusades of spreading the religion. The college students were very receptive in this cause especially during week end when they visit comnunites and sleep in mosques preaching the religion.
It partly explains why the mosque within the RVH hospital has been revived. Mosts nurses end there and so was the demand for a praying ground. You cannot but notice the turbans and long beards the nurses wear at work |
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njucks
Gambia
1131 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 21:17:13
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this is funny. reminds me of a story when my friend when to the pharmacy to buy something and the guy over the counter with a full turban told him that he doesnt sell that when its right on the shelf.
infact i think they have won their crusade and almost every government instituion now has a mosque starting from right inside the quadrangle to RVTH.
soon the bantaba will have to be in arabic script, perhaps
maybe Janyanfara will come and defend his Uncles, but i still believe you ran away as refugees. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2006 : 21:21:49
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quote:
Originally posted by njucks
this is funny. reminds me of a story when my friend when to the pharmacy to buy something and the guy over the counter with a full turban told him that he doesnt sell that when its right on the shelf.
infact i think they have won their crusade and almost every government instituion now has a mosque starting from right inside the quadrangle to RVTH.
soon the bantaba will have to be in arabic script, perhaps
maybe Janyanfara will come and defend his Uncles, but i still believe you ran away as refugees.
I tell you my ribs are all cracking. I find the story of the turban very funny. How can he sell medicine when he cannot read.
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