Musa Bah Tha Scribbler
Reports in the previous week reveal that the problem of caste system has again rared its ugly head in some communities in The Gambia. A few months ago, there was even loss of life and it was decried by public and now the tying and beating of an individual and burning down his family home have also been reported.
This was in the Sarahule Communities in the Upper River Region but it is well-known that this is not unique to them. Among the Fula and Mandinka communities also, this problem of caste system exists though not as bad as what has been reported of late.
Calls have been made from different angles that it should be outlawed by the new constitution being drafted by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) and the strict enforcement of the law by enforcement agencies. All these calls are genuine and informed by a sincere desire to see the rule of law thrive in the country.
It is my measured opinion though that passing laws will do little or nothing to solve the problem. Of course, it will have an impact but on its own, it will achieve zilch. For one, it will be almost unenforceable. Thus, it cannot be our sole tool to solve this mammoth problem.
WHAT THEN SHOULD BE DONE
The issue of caste system is more of beliefs, customs and perceptions than it is of law and legality. Therefore, one can surmise that even if outlawed, communities will still continue to practice it, albeit secretly. It’s just like the issue of early marriage which is illegal but is practised by most families particularly in the provinces and there is not much government can do to stop it.
This is mostly because many of the law enforcement agents themselves hold these beliefs firmly as was manifested recently by one Commissioner Sankareh of The Gambia Police Force.
It is evident from the above that legislation alone will not solve the problem if it is not strengthened with a vigorous sensitisation program. The light of knowledge must be spread in the country especially in the rural areas. This will involve everyone, even the law enforcement agents.
Citizens must be told – no, shown – what a republic really means. In a republic all citizens are equal, sovereign and have rights which they must guard and protect at all times. The primary duty bearer in this, of course, is the government. With all its resources, departments and branches, it must wage a full blown war on ignorance and primitive precepts and ideas.
It is obvious that this is not an easy task and requires resilience and visionary leadership. It must be all encompassing and done in a way that citizens can take ownership of the battle. Only in this way do we hope to attain any form of success in this fight.
Religious leaders, traditional leaders, the media, civil society should all take part in fighting ignorance and primitive precepts and beliefs.