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
