Liberia: The Emphasis On Tribe Instead of Qualification Threatens Nimba Unity and Progress

As a son of Nimba County, my roots run deep. I started school in Ganta, then Mehnla, Tappita, and finished high school in Sanniquellie. In 1980, I served as President of the Nimba County Students Association at the University of Liberia. These experiences helped me understand our county's diversity and strength.

Growing up, I listened to influential voices in Tappita and Sanniquellie. I heard from Representative Sammy G. Kpan, Commissioner Alfred N. Johnson, and others. Their insights shaped my understanding of our community.

I knew Paramount Chief Sammy Paye personally through his nephew Christian Yonton. I also had connections with Paramount Chief Jimmy Dahn, a friend of my uncle Samuel Mengua. These leaders were not distant figures; they were part of my life.

During the 1985 presidential campaign, I worked closely with Jackson F. Doe. As Executive Assistant to Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, I engaged with many elders who taught me about Nimba politics.

I enjoy sitting with elders because they share history that books cannot provide. Before James C. Dennis passed away, I visited him to hear stories about Tappita and Voinjama. My understanding of Nimba is influenced by these voices and lessons from other countries.

In 2014, I coauthored an article on Nimba County with Cllr. Zaiye B. Dehkee titled "The Claim of Marginalization of the Mah or the Dan People." It aimed to promote unity among Nimbaians despite tribal differences.

From this experience, I am concerned about tribal politics in Nimba County today.

Tribal Politics: A Dangerous Shift

In recent elections, candidates used tribal identity to justify their runs. One campaign claimed it was time for a Dan Senator since there was already a Mah Senator. This mindset is divisive; it suggests seats should rotate by tribe rather than be earned by merit.

Some argue that only Mah or Dan people should hold power now. This excludes other ethnic groups like Mandingoes and Kpelle people from participating in governance.

Misrepresenting History

Three Dan men have served as Vice Presidents: Enoch Dogolea, Moses Blah, and Jeremiah Koung—Blah even served as President briefly. Should we now say no Dan person can be Vice President again?

Political parties should not be discouraged from selecting candidates based on tribe but rather on competence.

A Legacy of Inclusion

In 1985, Alhaji Lansanah Kromah won in Dan-dominated Tappita while James Harris won in Ganta—a Mah stronghold—and Ellen King won in Tappita as well—a Dan stronghold too! We chose these politicians based on merit—not tribe—and we can do it again.

Democracy Means Choice, Not Exclusion

Consider the U.S.: John F. Kennedy became President while his brothers were elected Senators during his term—democracy values qualifications over bloodlines or tribes.

If Nimba insists on tribal politics, let’s formalize a rotation system among tribes for political seats—but this would exclude minorities and women from competing fairly.

It’s better to focus on competence while ensuring gender sensitivity and full inclusion instead.

A Call to All Nimbaians: Reject Division, Embrace Unity

We must urgently call upon all Nimbaians at home and abroad to reject division within our county.
Arguments based on size or population are misguided; small states coexist peacefully with larger ones without fragmentation.
Dans and Mahs live together across most districts except for Electoral Districts 1, 2, and 8.
Nimba's strategic location connects us all—division will only weaken us politically and economically.

The Path Forward: Unity, Merit, Progress

Nimba is one county—not a tribal federation—we share resources like land and schools.
From the mountains to plantations across our county—we rise or fall together.
Let’s commit to inclusion based on merit regardless of tribe or religion.
Liberia must also rise above tribal favoritism; we need leaders with vision—not those chosen for their ethnicity.
This is how both Nimba and Liberia will prosper together—a better future is possible!

Tiawan Saye Gongloe
Assistant Professor of Law
Human Rights Lawyer
2023 Presidential Candidate