Nimba County: As Nimba County prepares for its highly anticipated senatorial by-election on Tuesday, April 22, County Superintendent, Madam Kou Meapeh, Gono has sparked controversy with a call that many observers view as a promotion of tribal politics.
During a recent press engagement, Superintendent Gono emphasized the importance of inclusive representation in the Liberian Senate, stating that the “dominant tribe,” referring to the Gio people, “should not be left out.”
The dominant tribe should not be left out in the representation of the county at the Senate,” Gono declared, adding that a balanced representation between the Gio and Mano tribes would foster unity and harmony in the county.
Her comments come just days before voters head to the polls to elect a successor to the late Senator and political heavyweight Prince Yormie Johnson. With tensions high and tribal affiliations increasingly becoming a focal point of campaign narratives, Gono’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions from the public and civil society groups.Gono also released what she called her final “peace message” ahead of the election, calling on residents to maintain calm and cohesion during the process.“
Let us know that county security is at stake and we should all fight to avoid violence,” she warned, reaffirming her commitment to preaching peace for the sake of the county.While promoting peace and discouraging electoral violence is commendable, critics argue that framing representation through the lens of tribal dominance contradicts the very spirit of national unity and undermines democratic principles.Political analysts and watchdog groups have cautioned that such tribal rhetoric can be dangerous in Liberia’s fragile post-conflict democracy.“
Statements like these may seem like calls for inclusion on the surface, but in practice, they deepen ethnic divisions, promote identity politics, and potentially incite voter polarization,” said James Kortu, a political analyst in Ganta.Critics argue that tribal-based endorsements distract from policy-driven discourse and encourage voters to prioritize ethnicity over competence and vision. The result, they warn, is a political culture dominated by favoritism, nepotism, and inefficiency — consequences Liberia continues to grapple with.
Liberia’s history is littered with the wreckage of tribal politics gone awry. From civil unrest to prolonged conflict, the country has repeatedly witnessed how ethnic favoritism can erode social cohesion, stall development, and trigger violence.“
We cannot afford to return to an ‘us versus them’ mentality,” said Martha Dolo, a civil society advocate in Sanniquellie. “This election must be about ideas and solutions, not ethnic calculations.”
While Superintendent Gono insists that having both major tribes represented will ensure balance, her timing and framing have raised eyebrows. The need for inclusive governance should not equate to tribal entitlement, many argue.Instead, civic groups are calling for issue-based campaigns that focus on healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic revitalization — pressing concerns for the people of Nimba.
As Nimba goes to the polls, it is vital that all contenders and their supporters uphold peace and prioritize the county’s future over narrow ethnic interests. Elections must serve as a platform for unity and progress, not a battleground for tribal supremacy.
Political pundits believe that the best candidate should win — not because of where they come from, but because of what they stand for.Would you like this formatted for print or online publishing, or need help coming up with a headline image or pull quotes for emphasis?
