We Gambians cannot and will not progress in the dilemma of differences in ethnicity and point of view.
We have been eaten deep down dating from the time of pre-colonial rule and its aftermath can still be felt today.
There came a time when, within the same ethnicity, we had divided ourselves into a social hierarchical order of nobles, down the way to the slave category. Members of different classes cannot inter-marry. Then came the time when different ethnicities rarely inter-marry and now comes the time wherein politicians use ethnicity to seek votes.
What does the future hold if we cannot realise the beast within us?
Language being an essential tool for communication and identification of one's culture has played an important role in our segregation.
In our workplaces, favoritism and nepotism are the order of the day. Language reflects our culture and helps identify our ethnicity.
The old general has barely failed in realising that differences in the languages we speak should not be used as a means of segregation but as an avenue to learn and explore one's dynamism and open-mindedness. That being said, putting hands on deck will give nothing but progress. As the saying goes, two heads are better than one.
Unfortunately, this sad reality is still being passed on to the cream of our future generation.
How could we find a solution?
Well, sensitising and creating awareness work, but their impact is really not significant.
Rwanda, one of the most excelling countries in Africa has gone through a genocide which could be narrowed down to the differences in ethnicity. The solution they implemented was by forgetting the differences and fighting for a brighter future which we call Rwanda today.
Moving to Morocco, the cream of Africa is another source of reference when it comes to development. The Darija being the dominant language of use helps in strengthening the bond and unity among Moroccans.
What could the Gambia learn from the above?
In my opinion, it would be hard for a start but if we could invent a language structure comprising all the local languages to feature each ethnic, which would be taught in schools to forshake labelling individuals by their ethnic but as Gambians bound together by the proposed language would help unite and eradicate our political-ethnic deception and then and only then shall we shine and develop as a nation.
May Allah bless our motherland, The Gambia!
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