If not dealt with decisively, tribalism will soon become part of the genetic make-up of our nation. What is most worrying about tribalism in Namibia lately is that it now involves senior public officials – ministers, governors, councillors and CEOs of local authorities and other establishments.
Yesterday we woke up to headlines of tribal remarks allegedly made by Bukalo Village Council CEO Martin Limbo – who essentially called for ethnic cleansing of one of the biggest tribes in Zambezi Region.
Prior to that, Governor of Omaheke Festus Ueitele caused a stir when an audio clip went viral of him making disparaging remarks about Ovaherero people – especially those residing in his region.
In December last year, Linyanti Constituency Councillor Cletius Sipapela was also caught up in a tribal storm when an audio clip went viral in which he was heard lecturing youth from his tribe to loathe and plot against other ethnic groups in the region.
Add to this the well-publicised tribal remarks made by former Cabinet minister Kazenambo Kazenambo during a highly publicised confrontation with a local journalist some five years ago and the circle is almost complete.
There are countless examples of similar incidents – so the examples above are only the tip of an iceberg. What is sad is that these leaders seem not to be aware of the influence they command among their followers, who might emulate and further spread the gospel of tribalism.
But perhaps what is more sad is that even with this overwhelming evidence of dangerous tribal tirades that threaten our national unity and the very existence of the nation, no action is ever taken against any of the culprits.
In other words, the Constitution is being violated with impunity.
There have arisen a number of schools of interpretation of this dangerous trend. Some see the issue in terms of class conflict; others, however, see it in terms of ethnicity. Whatever the interpretation, there is no justification for tribal chauvinism.
Once tribalism grips the psyche of society, every action – including the State’s developmental projects – is seen through tribal lenses.
In the tribal mindset, as with other forms of prejudice, truth and facts matter little. Logic is often supressed and so is rationality. The dangers of tribalism thus also include the likelihood of physical confrontation.
Tribalism is the most discouraging example of a profound obstacle to the development of the country. It is symbolic of our nation’s divided soul and the unity of our country is being sacrificed in the unnecessary tribal dogfights that are fast becoming a daily occurrence.
Urging private citizens to shun tribalism is one thing, but it is evident we need leadership on the matter. And leadership is about action and showing the way.
Limbo’s remarks in particular, where he wished a German-style termination order against another tribe, which he called ‘cockroaches’, are among the worst we have seen in Independent Namibia. This is a case of inciting violence and possibly murder, depending on how things pan out.
As usual, this too will pass. Many of our leaders, especially those to whom these culprits directly report, are apologetic in their approach to matters like this. An example must be made, so that would-be tribalists would take a moment to rethink their plans.
It is sad to note that even people entrusted to lead society and national institutions are tenaciously loyal to such primitive ideas and still cling to this narrow sense of belonging.
Tribalism’s only record of achievement is that of destruction and bloodshed. Namibia has to move fast to contain its spread or prepare herself to pay a heavy price very soon. Out of many people, we must continue with determination to build one unified nation.