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buba
57 Posts |
 Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 01:53:40
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I have been closely following the ill-adviced topic of Lt.Colonel (Arm-Chair) Sam Sarr as well as your rejoinders.
When i went through Sam's pieces, i could not believed what i was reading. By the time i finished, i came to the realisation that this guy is hate-filled with tribalism...and ironically, the topic was supposed to discuss the repercussions of tribalism!
The first thing i did was to write a rejoinder and emailed it to TWO online newspapers, but unfortunately, they did not publish it probably, as a mark of 'respect' for their 'patron'.
I sensed it was coming long before Sam's genesis on tribalism when he claimed that 'someone had told him that ex-President Jawara changed colours depending on his mood'. What is actually hypocritical of Sam is that he did not tell that person what his inner feelings were then (at least he did not mention in that piece what he said to the guy regarding that issue). Don't get me wrong Sam, i am not saying the ex-President could change his colours, but the point is that why did you wait till now to talk if not for cynicism!!
On his genesis of tribalism, Sam deliberately tried to twist the truth by making us believe that the PPP was a Mandinka party and came to power through Tribalism...this is the greatest lie of the year yet! What the PPP did was to challenged the validity of the previous election results on the basis that it was not inclusive of the whole country, the protectorate to be precise. Unless the whole of the protectorates were Mandinkas (which is not the case anyway), i can not see how that was tribalistic; and even that alone will not amount to tribalism as campaigning against disenfranchisement of Citizens in their own self-determination should not, could not and will not amount to tribalism Sam in case you didn't know.
Interestingly,some of the Mandinka Chiefs (Seyfolu)did not only belong to the United Party (UP) of PS Njie, but campaigned vigorously for the party. Now, for an attention seeker like Lt Colonel (Arm-Chair) Sam Sarr to claim otherwise is shameful to say the least! But i am not surprised at all since the same Sam claimed our history to be MYTH. West can change people, but to be changed for the worst is dangerous. Remember, every nation, every tribe, every continent has their own histories (all of which were at some point oral)before being finely compiled into books. Sam thinks only that which is written is the solid truth, what a saddo!
Before concluding this, i would like to remind all the editors of all online newspapers to be mindful of what they publish, for the Gambia is too small and the people too inter-connected that the likes of 'gone away from home forever' should not divide us.
Furthermore, level-playing fields should be accorded to all your readership without favouritism. If you feel someone is too important to criticise, then ask him/her to behave well for every action brings a reaction. Some may be well known than others, but most of the time, the 'unknowns' make the 'knowns' the 'knowns'.
The author here obtained a CAT, ACCA, MSc; so i cannot see how the likes of Sam can be given a preferential treatment if not for 'Lt Colonel' title. Let us respect one another regardless of whether you know me or not.
I rest my case.
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Edited by - buba on 22 Jan 2008 23:33:19 |
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Alhassan
Sweden
813 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 16:42:59
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Buba,
Some of the facts that the PPP started as a mindinka party is true. The promis that Jawara and Sheriff Dibba gave was people in Banjul would live their homes for those who voted for Jawara. This I can remember very well because my father(UP ELDER)had to call the comander at the Bakau Depo to come and talk sens to the people who came outside Banjul to choose homes to live. The first PPP campanges were very tribal. There was all kind of insukts to the Wollofs and those who supported the UP and Congress Party. Those were the ways and means the PPP handles the whole thing. Sam must go back and read more stuff about Gambian tribalism. During Jawara there was also TERI KAFO. They and their children enjoyed all from scholarships to all kinds of employment in the wrong way. My family was realy affected by the PPP because of my fathers political views.
Ask why most of the cross carpet from up and the muslim congress to the PPP?
Buba, I think Sam has some real facts about the PPP. Infact most of you here were too young to remember the formation of PPP. Maybe one like Kondorong can remember to put some light on the PPP.
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 17:16:24
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alhasan ,since you were old enough to know how the ppp campaign ,can you tell us then how the UP campaign please? history is full of one sided narations ,but the gambia have past that stage when the elite (socall) can control knowledge and information. the things that the banjulians did to provinces people ,if that is to be discussed on its historical and truthful context ,many banjulains will held their heads in shame.
even in high school ,pupil from the kombos and provinces are regularly bullied by the CAPITOL chids ,why? if you see a children carrying certain information ,he/she must have heard it from his parents. if some elements of the ppp were indeed campiagning on tribal grounds ,then it most be from mandingo,fula,jola and even some sarahuleh people. then only the aku's and wolof of the banjul serekunda are crying foul. alhasan ,even though you are an elder here,we too have our sources .i just receive a detail history book on how precolonail to colonial gambia was rule. history you see is interesting ,it is not just about age ,it is about awareness and being interested to know.both the ppp and up have sides to them which shouldn't be emulated and i acknowledge that in my earlier response to sarr.but he feel too big to see the real picture. there are scores of gambians in different field of expertise who are quitely doing there things .with doctotares and much more ,if there silence is taken as weaknesses then sarr is heavily mistaken. alhasan ,may be you need to enquire about the scholarship issue. i wrote a piece on it posted in the gambia l a while ago .it didn't favour mandinkas over wollof ,don't mix up issues .the system wasn't fair .
young or old ,one can be an expert in history or any field for that matter.
thanks buba .the cencoredship is scary .this is not the first time sankareh refuse to publish my rejoinder. but for me ,i will never write to his echo. i hope he is now happy that suntou promise to leave him alone. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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buba
57 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 18:18:42
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Thanks Alhassan, but i think you should know that being young has little to do with knowing historical knowledge.I believe a time has come for action against evil-minded people like SAM SARR. To be silent when a lot of lies are being spread around is not only complacency, but cowardice!!
In case Alhassan you don't know, my grandma is a Fula, and me a Mandinka. My sister next to me is married to a Serer (Sam's tribe...paternal side). Now tell me how can a person like me sit back and see that saddo divide us all in the name of an 'incident' between him and Dr. Saho almost two decades ago. If i were Dr.Saho, i woudn't have signed that document of such importance for the simple reason that he was a complete stranger. Remember the implication for Dr. Saho had he signed the paper, and it turned out that the applicant was some kind of a criminal trying to abscond the country.
You also mentioned Teri Kafoo. This tells me you have a lot of catch-up to do because Teri Kafoo is not tribal and even included members such as OJ. I challenge you to do a bit of research on Teri Kafoo and how it started as well as its membership before we can continue.
Like you, not only me, but our entire village (almost 90%+ Mandinkas)was almost completely neglected by the PPP government because one of the veteran oppostion figures hail from there. Why i am mentioning this is to bring to your attention that it is not about tribe, but about political affiliation during their time in office, not about tribe but against regional exclusions during campaign for office.
I am ready for the likes of Arm-chair Lt Colonel Sam Sarr. Let the ball continue to roll for as long as it lasts.We all cannot sit down in our houses and say, don't mind that guy. That guy, it has to be said is a very dangerous divider, and has to be taken head-on. |
Edited by - buba on 22 Jan 2008 23:34:35 |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 18:48:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Alhassan
quote:
Originally posted by buba
I have been closely following the ill-adviced topic of Lt.Colonel (Arm-Chair) Sam Sarr as well as your rejoinders.
Buba,
Some of the facts that the PPP started as a mindinka party is true. The promis that Jawara and Sheriff Dibba gave was people in Banjul would live their homes for those who voted for Jawara. This I can remember very well because my father(UP ELDER)hasd to call the comander at the Bakau Depo to come and talk sens to the people who came outside Banjul to choose homes to live. The first PPP campanges were very tribal. There was all kind of insukts to the Wollofs and those who supported the UP and Congress Party. Those were the ways and means the PPP handles the whole thing. Sam must go back and read more stuff about Gambian tribalism. During Jawara there was also TERI KAFO. They and their children enjoyed all from scholarships to all kinds of employment in the wrong way. My family was realy affected by the PPP because of my fathers political views.
Ask why most of the cross carpet from up and the muslim congress to the PPP?
Buba, I think Sam has some real facts about the PPP. Infact most of you here were too young to remember the formation of PPP. Maybe one like Kondorong can remember to put some light on the PPP.
Alhassan
You dont have to be old to know that sun rose from the east and set in the west.
What you said above are untrue.
The TERI Kafo is not part of the PPP machinery. In fact only one member of the TERI KAFO ever made into politics. I would suggest you read the Gambia Echo's interview of Bakary Dabo. Let’s put things straight.
Secondly, it’s untrue that the PPP asked people to come to Banjul and take the houses of non PPP supporters. I have given proof of this on bantaba many times. Search the archives. PP won all the subsequent elections since 1963 na d no house was ever taken. It was what Halifa calls POLITIKI NAHATEH.
In fact Pierre Njie has more support in mandinka people than any tribe. Most of the chiefs supported him because he promised them continuity of their "monarchical" rule. He was known to have been carrying old telephone boxes at rallies and purporting to be talking to Queen Elizabeth in London and many fell for the trick and that was how he won the first elections. Ousainou Darboe’s father Numukunda Darboe was the UP member of Parliament for Upper Fulladu West (Bansang). Whilst Sheriff Dibba denies his removing of about 10 chiefs as political, many believed that the chiefs strong opposition to PPP andinclination towards UP was the final straw. I have a copy of the interview sheriff had in 1965 on this issue as the youngest Gambian Cabinet member.
I will urge every Gambia to dig deeper in our history rather than be sensational.
To tell you more, in fact Jawara did serve in that government of Pierre Njie as Education Secretary. Its all bloody lies when people try to use the tribe card. Jawara with all his shortcomings did reach out even to his arch rivals.
It’s the first time in our political evolution where an opposition leader serves in the cabinet of an opposing party. He extended to every one. That’s how Jahumpa moved on and other UP MPs to PPP. In the spirit of reconciliation, he became incapacitated to “offend”. Every political leader went for a swing in 1963.
Baldeh did say here one time that Jawara’s close associates never trusted him. My guess was that he never wanted to tow the tribal lines that other party leaders were using in the years close to nationhood. He was between a rock and a hard place.
Whilst Jawara moved the motion in the House of Parliament for a Republican status, UP was against full independence. A referendum was held which PPP lost. So the reason why we were delayed for 5 years after independence to be a republic was our own making not the Bristish. That’s how Farimang Singhateh became a care taker governor whilst the politicians threw mud in each others’ eyes.
I don’t think you understood the difference between a protectorate and a colony. These administrative institutions operated within different legal parameters and as such, the protectorate was disenfranchised in early electors being held in the Gambia. PPP did not start as PPP but as LILAHI WARASULI which is an Arabic phrase meaning for the sake of the God and the Prophet. It started with humble beginnings to help those people outside of the colony a chance to participate. Late Sanjally Bojang was very instrumental in forming LILAHI WARASULI organization.
Nyambai forest, to be more specific is a witness to the formation of this party which later gave birth to Protectorate People’s Party which Jawara change to Progressive People’s Party.
Protectorate does not mean Mandinka. It means any area from Lamin Bridge to Koina. This is why they had Commissioners and Travelling Magistrates. Kombo St. Marys which extends from Saro Bridge to Lamin Bridge never had a Commissioner because it was a Colony directly administered by the Governor in Banjul. This is why these areas first had elections before the protectorate where indirect rule phrase by Lord Luggard was being practiced. This is why the likes of Edward Francis Small could exercise rights to representation in the colony not in the protectorate leading to organized labor which gave us the likes of Mr. Jallow, the most powerful union leader Gambia ever saw. He led strikes in Banjul until troops had to be brought in from Sierra Leone.
This fight for equality and self rule was done by many people you never hear.
This is why you hear KOMBO ST. MARYS. The colony was later extended all the way to Lamin Bridge and beyond that it was a protectorate. The rest of the country were "protected people" and as such, as I have said earlier, were British subjects and could claim British citizenship if any one could proof having a birth certificate in the protectorate.
A large part of the aku speaking people who in fact hold British passports or permanent residency, mainly originated form Georgetown initially as liberated slaves under the British protection in 1825 but who later migrated to Banjul. They were from the KRU tribe in Nigeria.
One interesting new history for you is that the Mahoney in Banjul are in fact Mandinka people. The patriarch was a freed mandinka slave from the United States who was sold and later came home. I have a historical account of this issue in a book I am currently reading which was published in 1965.
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“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 19:59:30
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Compatriots,
The debate is getting tensed.
'TERI-KAFOO', like the name denotes: Teri (Friendship) and Kafoo (association.) This won't mean "SII-KAFOO" which would have been a perfect fit for tribal association. Sii (tribe) and Kafoo (association.) The later has been avoided completely in language, at least. The former under its umbrella has people of all tribes, but has a greater tendency to mobilise more individuals from a particular tribe, making look like tribal association. The same applies to the "mafia." The two all leaned towards supporting certain things at a given time.
For a fact, after a clear observation, 'tribalism' is relative. It exist though noticeable at the explosive stage. Everyone has tribal pride. Everyone has family pride, just like we have national pride or religious pride. In my view, that is ok, but when in language or action it is used to under rate/mock major or minority tribes, it become increasing worrisome. It has a tendency to cause severe unrest and political violence. For example during last presidential elections, Uncle Hamat was heard saying the fulas and the mandinkas form majority, if you add them up will defeat the Jola candidate and the wollof candidate. That was tribal politics. Any one else that supported his tribal sentiments falls a loop, together with the many other utterances, we so well despised here in the past.
To move on to a greater picture, it is our utterances or actions that make us extreme in tribalism. Hatred or jealousy! Let everyone purify him or herself from what is called the 'diseases of the heart' in the Quran. That's leads to tribal hatred without proper reasoning.
Regards,
Dalton.
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 20:17:58
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Dalton
Tribal issues are very senitive and i dont fall for it. We have Jallows in my family. Infact two of them. I have family relations in Balanta, mandinka, Fula, wolof, Sarahule, Serer, Tukulor from Podorr.
Who am I? I am a gambian simple.
But its dangerous to use a tribal card. O.J was part of TERI KAFO. I guess Jallows are mandinka. Dont be suprised. I had a class mate who was Jallow but who claims to be Wolof. So be it. We are all humans. I like wolof saying : SANTA AMUT KERR BAYE. which means you dont ask for last names in ones fathers home. In other words, dont ask the obvious.
But its untrue when people say, provincialpeople came to banjul to take the houses of the residents in 1965 to the point that the police commader was called on some occassion. Dalton, i will urged you as a journalist to do more research and although i hesitate to put it up for all to see, i may post the interview PS Njie had with Rice Berkely the ABC reporter who covered our independence in 1965 on the issue of tribes and specifically mandinka. I am not sure if Numukunda darboe ever knew of that interview.
Its true Njie's grandfather Semu Joof was the last king of Saloum but that is no right to see others differently. Do you know why Njie's law license was rovoked by the colonial govt. ? If you live in a glass house, dont throw stones. I would urge you the visist ABC and perhaps you might have the videos of the 1965 independence in their archives.
jawara is no saint either. But he was not tribalist. Infact his region in niani was most backward part of the Gambia. Only one telephone line was working from Lamin Koto to kaur. The Laminkoto pasamass road was tabled in the house since 1966 holding the record for the longest discussed project in the Gambia. Sadly when it was completed, Jawara became a refugee, perhaps from the gods he angered for neglect.
Infact in Kuntaur, his provincial capital, had no wharf and on one ocassion on meet the farmers tour, he came ashore on a small boat enough to seat only 10 people because the wharf fell and Ladiy Chilel could not dock.
It was his sister, Sountou Darboe who blasted him for negligence and that led to the new concrete wharfs we now have. I was on the shore watching Jawara limp like a frog to the shores of Kuntaur. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 20:30:56
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Santa,
Its very sad that Sankareh refused to publish ur latest rejoinder on the oon-going debate. I think Sam should have been man-enough to acknowledge his mistake , esp on the Dr.Manneh issue.
I once denounced Sankareh and Pa Nderry here but it didn't go down well with some people here. I know Sankareh from his St. Augustine's days, thru to Gambia College and wen he was a reporter with Radio Gambia and later Thepoint. If the night should turn to day many will run away. Equally , a wolof singer said, Its not good totarnish someone's image, becos out there is someone who knows ur ills yet he is quiet abt it.
Sankareh has been playing to the gallery , framin people like Neneh mcdoual etc, whilst his dirty dealings from Nusrat hiigh school , thru Sahs, GC to NC-USA are kown to people who becos of their decency prefer to SUTURA him.
If we are fighting to bring decency and sanity back home we should set the right examples. First as journalist they should have allow both sides for their stories. Anything short of that is censorhip, which in itself is press muzzling. So where is the Press-freedom we claim to have been denied in The Gambia? I can't see any of it in the US online paper, especially Sanakareh's echo.
I know that the guy is intellectually capable of running a good paper. To do that he has to cleanse himself from selfishness, intellectual dishonesty and being fork-tongued.
Fellow Gambians and friends of the Gambia, now that most of us have reached the conclusion that Lt.Col. Samsideen Sarr(rtd)piece was skewed, its better to learn from it and forge ahead. The Gambia's diversity is her strengthen. FORWARD WITH THE GAMBIA. |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 20:46:43
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| kondorong ,it would be interesting if the ps njie interview can be forwarded here. thanks for the insightful post.mowdo yero,you got it right. it is an individual jihad to control the bad effects of tribe or class .just like race. no government can eliminate racism ,laws can prevent racial attacks but it can't stop people being racist. a week ago ,i read a gambian being racialy abuse in one england city. out of respect for the guy ,i did not post the news page here. he regularly contribute on many online debates. it is an individual effort,then community. |
Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22
"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 20:50:16
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Sir Kons;
Nicely put, and please provide us with that interview as time permits you.
I totally agree with you that it is very sensitive topic. and i also disagreed here in the past, on this very topic during its early introduction,when people generalize 'tribalism' on a certain tribe wholly. That's just a problem for me. But when those of you that know and witnessed it talk, we have to listen. I also disagreed that Jawara was tribal.
By chance, do you happen to know what the fuladou grouping was called? I heard they also had a group that was emerging....may be some one here knows.
Welcome back elder!
Dalton.
On a joking note, Mawdo Kons. are you Dr. Manneh????
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"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 21:33:47
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a little bit about Dr. Manneh.
I shared conversation with Cherno Baba, Michigan who during his days at the Observer had a bitter encounter with Dr. Manneh during the 'crude oil saga' reportage. Unlike Sam Sarr, Cherno didn't view his' as tribal motivated, for he believes it was not.
According to Cherno, he covered news regarding the crude oil saga, and since Dr. Manneh was somewhat associated with that department, a picture of the guy was published with the story. Dr. Manneh took offense of it, and publicly scolded Cherno time and again, to the extent will single him out openly.
Years later, when Dr. Manneh visited Michigan, him and Cherno met and conversed. But that they all disapproved of each others' actions then, basically to put it the picture with the crude oil saga and the public scolding. It was a laughing matter...
He did tell me that, it was no doubt that the man is a doctorate holder, and he [Cherno] knew that for a long time. |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 23:04:50
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalton1
Sir Kons;
Dalton.
On a joking note, Mawdo Kons. are you Dr. Manneh????
I find this amusing. If only dead men could type
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“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 23:12:27
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Mawdo Kons;
I don't even know the man. Is he alive or dead?
I thought Dr. Saho was the one that passed away.
Please help me understand more who the guy was and what his versatile educational role was for Gambians, as time permits you.
Regards,
Dalton... |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 23:40:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Dalton1
Mawdo Kons;
I don't even know the man. Is he alive or dead?
I thought Dr. Saho was the one that passed away.
Please help me understand more who the guy was and what his versatile educational role was for Gambians, as time permits you.
Regards,
Dalton...
I am sorry. You are right. I mistaken him for Dr. Saho. My sincere apologies.
Dr. Manneh was a shrewd politician in Jokadu. I think the fact that he was called a Dr. (PHD) was confused to mean he was a medical doctor) an issue which seemed to be a magnet in his constituency.
I know very little about him either. I remember him to be a tall slim jolly fellow and with an afro style hair. He seemed to be a copy cat of Nafa Saho to some extent. I will leave it to those who know him best. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 23:42:43
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Dalton
I am not a MAWDO. I just a little kid. You must be older than me honestly.
As Dr. Manneh's educational impact on Gambians, i am trying to scrape what legacy he left on us. Its hard to see for now but will continue to do more research on him. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2008 : 23:55:35
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quote:
Kons...I am not a MAWDO. I just a little kid. You must be older than me honestly.
Mawdo Kons;
If you are not mawdo then I am a toddler. No age descrimination meant on your side. Or just take the "mawdo" title for respect then. We are settled.
Back to our debate on Dr. Manneh -
Thanks for your part on him. The only Dr. Manneh I heard about until recently was Kukoi Samba Sanyang who hailed from Foni Wassadung and was believed to be the achitect of the 1981 bloodshed coup. He was moving around under that false identity -Dr. Manneh, according a top CID operative who was monitoring his case then. May be, he is still using it. May be not!
I know Kukoi's family. In fact, Kukoi attended primary school in my home village, according to information i gathered. He have an elder brother called Gidom, a teacher, and a very respectful man.
Dalton |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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