African democracy model that is not built on values can be disastrous! Those who always preach unity and peace in public are the ones who sponsor divisions at night. 

Those who cry loud against corruption are the ones who are most corrupt. Some who preach against tribalism and racism are the most tribal at heart. They pretend to love when it is a day, but they carry hate and murder at night! 

We are losing this great country. We have mismanaged our politics and created a monster out of our tribes – and soon, this great nation will burn. It started, and the momentum is gaining ground. Soon this country will not be governable. 

So instead of fighting other tribes, let us empower our people to compete effectively with others. Tribalism will destroy the Gambia.

No country or region in the world has ever developed or prospered by perpetuating tribalism. We are telling a population that those not of your tribe are not as privileged as you are ancient and backward thinking. 

Over, tribalism has been the root of fights, wars, and social destruction. As leaders, we need to condemn all those who preach tribalism and racism. Authentic leadership brings unity in diversity. We should be proud of our cultural backgrounds without hurting and injuring others who do not belong.

Democracy without values is dangerous, and when voters are allowed to choose between two evils-They look for the lesser evil notwithstanding!

Gambians should emphasise the idea that it is all right to be different. Racism and all the other ‘isms’ grow from primitive tribalism, the instinctive hostility against those of another tribe, race, religion, nationality, class, etc. If your parents taught you to accept diversity, you would be a lucky child.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow