Liberia’s geopolitics is unique in its own context, but not short of consequences which continue to haunt its developmental progress to a significant extent—especially with the toxic ambitions of political actors who aspire to govern according to their own perspectives.
Nimba County sits on a potential time bomb, and there is an urgent need to de-escalate the growing tension birthed by political rhetoric, especially tribal classification.
The danger of tribal politics, now amplified in Nimba during every legislative election, suggests not only potential future chaos but also the possible obliteration of mutual coexistence—a cultural characteristic so dearly cherished even before 1964, when the subdivision was formally carved out and legally recognized as an integral part of the Republic of Liberia. This means Nimba is not an independent territory, but a component of the Liberian state. That is why caution is essential when politics intersects with national leadership.
While there have been numerous instances of tribal division along political lines—especially when politicians portray Nimba County as home to only two tribes, the Gio and the Mano—there are, in fact, four additional tribes that call Nimba home, alongside many Liberians from other counties who have migrated there in pursuit of better livelihoods. The recent senatorial by-election, triggered by the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson, has further exposed the county to the dangers of disintegration and the potential breakdown of intercommunity connections.
Unlike the late Senator Johnson, whose campaign messaging included tribal undertones in a subtle way, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s decision to leave his office in Monrovia and camp in Nimba for nearly two weeks—essentially calling on voters to support the then-sitting District #5 Representative, Samuel Kogar, because he is a Gio man, while pointing out that the county already had a Mano Senator in Nyan Tuayen—opened a new Pandora’s box of merit versus ethnicity.
In fact, Superintendent Meapeh Kou Gono openly stated at a political function that gender was irrelevant to the election—that only tribe mattered. While her stance may be rooted in protecting her job, such statements send the wrong message and escalate tensions that can eventually spark crises.
Lest we forget, the roots of most political crises in Africa lie in tribal, regional, and cultural divisions—scars that remain, in some cases, indelible.
As Robert Sehmeah, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Elders in Nimba, recently told The Liberian Investigator in Sanniquellie, the notion of equal representation for the Gio and Mano in the Legislature is not a law or gospel but a mechanism intended to ensure balance and fair access to the benefits of state governance.
The Elders Council chairman emphasized that this idea of one Gio and one Mano senator does not truly create equity, given the presence of Mandingo, Bassa, Kpelleh, Krahn, and Gbei people—alongside others who have settled in Nimba, made significant investments, and equally deserve the right to serve in elected office.
In his words, “Nimba does not belong to the Gio and the Mano alone because it is a portion of the Republic of Liberia, to which all Liberians are entitled.” The traditional leader expressed deep concern about the consequences that lie ahead if unity is not prioritized and people are selected for political positions based on tribe rather than merit.
Democracy, no doubt, operates by numbers, and the majority vote wins. But that does not make the majority’s decision always right. Yet, democracy obliges the minority to obey for peace’s sake.
Opinions from the Streets of Nimba
Walking through the bustling towns of Sanniquellie, Ganta, Karnplay, and Tapita, reactions are mixed. Some residents believe politicians use the people of Nimba as pawns to further their own objectives, only to disappear after elections, leaving behind rising resentment fueled by divisive campaigns.
Cyrus Dolo, a student at Nimba University, expressed dismay at how the county is devolving into an ethnocentric zone, sidelining its rich tradition of diversity and unity.
“I hate to identify myself by tribe. Not because I’m ashamed of it, but in this age, I find it unnecessary,” Dolo said. “Imagine graduating and being denied a job in another county just because of your tribe—that’s absurd. I admire today’s academia, where tribal identity holds no value on a CV. Employers now seek skills and competence. Rwanda is a great lesson—no more valuing tribe over productive leadership. They’ve moved beyond genocide and built a strong nation. Liberia must do the same.”
Sarah Whein, a resident of Karnplay, rejected the Gio-Mano narrative promoted by politicians. “I’m a Gio woman and my husband is Mano. We raise our children together. It would hurt to hear someday that our children are denied opportunities because of their mixed heritage. They are Liberians and should be judged on their abilities.”
Sekou Dukuly, a Mandingo man, shared his disappointment. “We’ve matured beyond tribalism. This mindset led to innocent people dying in the war simply for belonging to the ‘wrong’ tribe. We need to elect leaders based on competence, not tribe.”
He added, “We go to the mosque with Gios, Manos, and others. Our religion unites us—why should politics divide us? I’m ready to join any group that helps our people overcome tribal politics.”
The Way Forward
Nimba is arguably Liberia’s fastest-developing county in terms of infrastructure—homes, hotels, restaurants, and businesses are on the rise. But buildings don’t build communities—people do. Unity and shared values are the backbone of true development.
Now that Samuel Kogar—a Gio—has won the Senate seat, Vice President Koung and other Nimba leaders must return home, seek forgiveness for divisive campaign rhetoric, and commit to promoting leadership based on competence, qualifications, and experience.
Beyond reconciling with the people, it’s vital to promote gender equity and end the bullying of female aspirants who seek office out of love for service and country, and not merely for political survival.
As Socrates said, “The only good is knowledge, and the only evil is ignorance.” Nimba must outgrow tribal sentiments and adopt a unifying approach that ensures fair opportunities for all—including land access, public services, and representation in leadership for Bassa, Kpelleh, Krahn, Mandingo, and others not dominant in the county.
During his certification in Sanniquellie, Kogar pledged to promote unity and move away from toxic tribal rhetoric. It’s a commendable promise—but its sincerity remains to be tested.
Politics may be dirty and friendship fleeting, but life continues after elections. Living in peace with neighbors brings greater joy than any luxury gained through division.
We must remember that all Liberians pledge allegiance to the same national symbols, sing the same national anthem, and celebrate the same holidays—July 26 and May 14.
As echoed in the second stanza of the National Anthem:
“In union strong, success is sure. We cannot fail! With God above, our rights to prove, we will o’er all prevail. With hearts and hands, our country’s cause defending, we’ll meet the foe with valor unpretending.”
We must not become our own enemies, fighting battles not worth fighting. History must guide us from the mistakes that continue to hinder Liberia’s progress.
Note: The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author, based on direct interaction with people in Nimba during the senatorial by-election.
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