By Saikujohn Barrie
Tribalism—the strong loyalty to one’s own tribe or ethnic group—has been a significant part of African societies for centuries.
While it provides a sense of identity and belonging, it also creates many problems that hinder social, economic, and political progress across the continent.
It’s clear that tribalism can harm democratic processes.
People often vote based on tribal ties, leading to the election of leaders who may not represent the wider interests of the population.
This undermines the principles of democracy, where leaders should be chosen for their ability to serve the entire nation, not just a specific tribe.
In many African communities, tribalism causes political divisions. Loyalty to one’s tribe can become more important than national unity.
This can result in political parties formed along ethnic lines, creating a fragmented political environment. Leaders might prioritize their tribe’s interests over national needs, leading to unequal distribution of resources and governance problems.
Tribalism can also increase social tensions and conflicts. Old grievances and competition for resources can escalate into violent clashes between different ethnic groups.
These conflicts not only cause loss of life and property but also disrupt social harmony and stability.
Examples include the Rwandan Genocide and various ethnic conflicts in Nigeria and the ongoing unrest in Congo.
Furthermore, tribalism leads to favouritism towards one’s own tribe, causing economic inequalities.
Jobs, contracts, and development projects might be given based on tribal or regional affiliations rather than merit.
This unfair distribution of wealth and opportunities can create resentment and deepen social divisions.
This favouritism can also hamper national development efforts.
When resources are allocated based on tribal loyalty instead of need, essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure might not be evenly distributed. This slows down the nation’s overall progress and keeps neglected regions in poverty.
Another harmful effect is that a strong tribal identity can weaken the development of a unified national identity.
When people prioritize their tribe over their country, it’s hard to build a sense of unity and patriotism. This can weaken social bonds and make it difficult to create a strong, inclusive nation.
I believe one way to tackle the problems caused by tribalism is to promote inclusive policies that go beyond tribal lines.
Education plays a crucial role in building a sense of national identity and unity. Encouraging dialogue between different ethnic groups, fostering reconciliation, and distributing resources fairly can help bridge divides and build a more cohesive society.
Before I rest my case, I am of the view that while tribalism offers a sense of identity and belonging, its negative impacts on political stability, social cohesion, economic fairness, national development, and democracy cannot be overlooked. Addressing these challenges requires collective efforts from governments, civil society, and individuals to cultivate a more inclusive and united Africa.