Alkaloship crisis in Tallinding!

Disputes over alkaloship are a major problem and one fundamental component besetting the development of the Gambia.

Alkalolu play an integral role in the development of any village or community. Apart from settling disputes, they also serve as caretaker and first port of call when it comes to initiating any developments.

Since the first republic, issue relating to appointment of alkalolu is treated with due care. So in short it is a sensitive issue when it comes to appointment of alkalolu.

It is being reported in the news that the community of Tallinding is embroiled in alkaloship crisis. Two rival clans- Badjie and Cham are at loggerheads, who will ascend to the throne. This comes barley a month after the demised of the former alkalo- Ebou Badjie.

We don’t want to speculate. So we called on elders of the two rival clans to exercise peace, restraint and maturity at all times.

We also want to commend the Kanifing Municipal Council, who recently broke silence over the issue, by urging elders of the two rival clans to create more room for dialogue with a view to amicably resolving the crisis, before the Council intervenes. The move is laudable and important. We should always bear in mind that our culture, tradition and values define who we are and therefore should be left in the hands of the people.

We hope by that elders of two clans would reason and address the issue within the shortest possible time.

Remember that as human we may be faced with difficult challenges sometimes, but that is where the growth of human maturity comes into play. We once again implore on the rival clans to maintain the prevailing peace even after the crisis so that the community can focus on more development.

In communities marred by conflicts, development tends to focus on promoting economic growth and progress in specific social sectors. Peace and stability are critical in any meaningful development. 

“In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics.”

John F. Kennedy