Tribalism is the state of being organized by, or advocating for, tribes or tribal lifestyles. Tribalism is the root and fabric of the african society. The concern is no longer the stranglehold of autocrats, but the hijacking of democratic process by the tribal politics, argues kenyan. The aforementioned statement made obvious with the biblical story of the tower of babel is. Firstly, people from other groups will likely resent their exclusion and oppose government policies, decisions and actions, believing they are ethnicity driven.
African leaders see tribalism as a major problem in their. The tribe means either the clan or extended kin group which shares a common ancestor, or. Hence, tribalism became enshrined in nigeria s democracy even before practice or perhaps i should say attempted practice. Managing tribalism within nigerias democratic challenges. He left nigeria, shortly after, for his residency in america, and proceeded to prove how much he was still in. Apr 10, 2015 its funny how tribalism controls how we think and talk and determines what we oppose or support. Coronavirus nigerias confirmed cases exceed 4,000 may 10, 2020. Violence, inequality in the government, mixed interests, and lack of nationalism are the main reason behind tribalism in nigeria. Zumas zulufication of the anc could indeed unleash the demon of tribalism, as the ancs first secretary general, sol plaatje, put it. Tribalism, as a theory is based on variables such as combinations of kingshipbased. Principal tribes in nigeria include the hausa, the yoruba, the ibo, the.
Borno was called by all sort of evil words by the majority like baghdadaza. Effects of tribalism 1 the effects of tribalism in. In nigeria today, tribalism has been elevated to the status of a national culture which dominates national discourse, controls how we think and talk, and determines what we oppose or support. Tribalism vs democracy can africansnigerians ever break. African leaders see tribalism as a major problem in their countries. The problem with which this study is concerned is the description of the past and present trends in the process of urbanization in nigeria. Ethnic conflict causes of ethnic conflict in nigeria. This is just like telling two neighbours with opposite attributes to become family. Tribe is used for millions of yoruba in nigeria and benin, who share a language but have an eighthundred year history of multiple and sometimes warring citystates, and of religious diversity even within the same extended families. Perceptions of tribalism and the farmerherder conflict in nigeria a protestor holds a placard during a demonstration against fulani herdsmen.
In the congo, tribalism has produced conflict and violence. In nigeria, tribalism is at the heart of national matters, whereas presidential hopefuls from certain areas and tribes were seen as jokers, and not fit to lead the country. In addition, the study explores tribal practices and perspectives in nigeria s urban areas, giving special attention to the bases for the continuous existence of these phenomena. Full text of tribalism in nigeria internet archive. Pdf tribalism is coined from tribes, an alternative word for ethnic or linguistic groups or in some countries nation or nationality. An average nigerian often sees his own tribe as being superior to others. In conformity, tribalism refers to a cultural term, a way of thinking or behaving in which people are more loyal to their tribes than to their friends, countries or social groups. It is where we derive a sense of pride in being african.
That keeps individuals from wandering off or joining other groups. Tribalism may be defined as the maintenance by a tribal society of its organization, ways, and autonomy in the face of change. Tribalism, regionalism, and nepotism zambia reports. On tribalism the guardian nigeria news nigeria and world. Ethnicity and tribalism have played powerful roles in previous elections, which will be a decisive factor in the upcoming elections. This section intends to pitch a preference on the two views of nigerians when the issue of ethnicity is discussed, with the motive of proffering ideas that would address the diverse challenges retarding the countrys. Had it been it just the unreasonable adults in nigeria and here on nl, it would have been cool. Before there can ever be a true nationalism in nigeria, there has to be a true tribalism in nigeria. The key causes and solution to ethnic conflict in nigeria. Talking about tribe moving from stereotypes to analysis africa action written in months after december 2007 election in kenya in which over 1500 people died and as many. Kenya has about 42 communities, that in other words, would say tribes or ethnic settings. Tribalism occurs where social identification has broken down.
Updated nigeria confirms 239 new cases of covid19 as total exceeds 4,000 may 10, 2020. Pdf military incursion, tribalism and poor governance. In nigeria today, tribalism has been elevated to dominate national discourse, controls how people think and talk, and determines what they oppose or support. Talking about tribe moving from stereotypes to analysis. Its coast in the south is located on the gulf of guinea in the atlantic ocean. Oct 28, 20 these enemies called tribalism and ethnicity have also deprived nigeria, on several occasions, of its political and economic positions at the international scene and must be discouraged, if not. May 04, 2012 yes the problem of northern nigeria is rooted tribalism. These enemies called tribalism and ethnicity have also deprived nigeria, on several occasions, of its political and economic positions at the international scene. This study assesses the relationship between tribalism the tribalism index and government effectiveness per the world bank in 60 countries using crosssectional data. Tribalism as a foiled factor of africa nationbuilding. Nigerians tend to segregate and discriminate against people that are not from the same tribe.
Tribalism in nigeria is a crucial issue of concern with respect to the scope of its practice, and the areas which it has affected. It is not easy to people from north kivu province to end with tribalism and conflicts which prevail and stop development of the region. The federation comprises 36 states and 1 federal capital territory, where the capital, abuja, is located. Professor calestous suggests that concerted effort to build modern political parties founded on development ideas and not tribal bonds is needed to counter this cankerworm of tribalism. The history of tribalism in kenya can be date back to the early postindependent years when the kenyatta and odinga led political parties were in the race to win the support of the masses. The data used in the study are obtained from books, government documents of. A mistake has been made in the creation of this country and a. Regionalism, tribalism and its negative consequences madote. The tribalist constantly exaggerates and boasts about the qualities, merits and good deeds of the tribe on the other hand he refuses to recognize their faults, and even tries systematically to hide them. Issues on ethnicity and governance in nigeria flash. Ethnicity or tribalism in nigerias political development.
Tribalism definition of tribalism by merriamwebster. Nigeria is a country facing disintegration, so it only makes sense that the tribes fight each other to get jobs. Tribe and tribalism using tribe and tribalism categories to misunderstand african societies david wiley african studies center michigan state university 1981 an updated version of this document posted by the author, 20. Fears over covid19 patients without symptoms may 10, 2020.
Taking things for granted, they can no longer see what the byproducts of tribal conflicts can cause in terms of disrupting national security. In 1914 the northern and southern protectorate was merged to form the country nigeria. This they did by the amalgamation of the colony and protectorates of lagos and southern nigeria. Both tribalism and conflict lead to a fight, we found better to develop this topic so that, we may show local and strange people, how they may. Tribalism in nigeria as the love and support for ones.
In this article, he was very clear about the infamous role of tribal sentiments in africas stunted sociopolitical progress, and how its influence in africa. Tribalism, no longer an obstacle to selfgovern ment in africa, is still an obstacle to national unity. It is promoted by the most educated and powerful among us, embraced by the young and the old, passed from generation to generation, and has even crept. It would be a pity if these chinese supplant all other races. In popular culture, tribalism may also refer to a way of thinking or behaving in which people are loyal to their social group above all else, or, derogatorily, a type of. I consider myself more of a swazi than a citizen of swaziland, in the same way a zulu is more of a zulu than he is a south african citizen, and a ndebele is more ndebele than they are zimbabweansouth african. Aug 21, 2014 if there is any one word that has become a serious threat to patriotism for nigerians, it is tribalism. Tribalism is naturally a pejorative word, in nigeria.
Regionalism, tribalism and its negative consequences by bruh metsae a kenyan scholar professor plo lumumba recently gave a lecture to a group of tanzanian students on the negative impact of regionalism and tribalism to a given society. In nigeria, tribalism has become a force that is more ascendant than nuclear bombs. Tribalism definition is tribal consciousness and loyalty. Tribe is used for hutu and tutsi in the central african countries of rwanda and burundi. Perceptions of tribalism and the farmerherder conflict in. Pdf nigeria continues to face difficult challenges as a country comprising many ethnic groups with different sociocultural, religious and. Tribalism in nigeria as the love and support for ones tribe. Other paths for papua new guinea 2012 pdf download. This causes jealousy, hatred and can further cause conflict between two or more ethnic groups.
After all, there are not really so many alternatives. Tribalism in africa the complexity of ethnicity 4th semester spring 2009 hib 03. Regionalism, tribalism and its negative consequences. A kenyan scholar professor plo lumumba recently gave a lecture to a group of tanzanian students on the negative impact of regionalism and tribalism to a given society. A move was made to relocate nnpc deport in maiduguri to another state. This is the strength that the country should be proud of because every community is known for its uniqueness not about skin color or anything physical but inner strength of mental capabilitiesthat usually comes out when people are working together towards national building.
Jan 28, 2014 tribalism as one of the conflict sources in north kivu. I consider myself more of a swazi than a citizen of swaziland, in the same way a zulu is more of a zulu than he is a south african citizen, and a ndebele. This apparent new upsurge in tribalism in south africa appears to be driven by a number of factors. Tribalism and politics in nigeria walter schwarz tribalism and politics are scarcely separable in nigeria. Jun 27, 2018 it would be a pity if these chinese supplant all other races. On his speech which primarily focused on the adverse effects of tribalism on africa, he applauded president. Tribes supply a lot of nigerias diversity providing traditional costumes, dress. On tribalism the guardian nigeria news nigeria and. Before we have a discussion about tribalism in nigeria, we should probably clarify what exactly this word means. That was why your humble author, in august 1947, founded the ibohayo youth league nigeria to combat against tribalism in this country through penpalism. The literature on ethnicity and tribalism in africa is so voluminous that this essay cari only survey the most important lines of research and refer to some relevant casestudies. Urbanization and tribalism in nigeria, 19111963 thesis presented to the graduate council of the north texas state university in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts by philip oyebowale sijuwade, b. Albert einstein, in his diary, between october 1922 and march 1923.
Effects of tribalism 1 the effects of tribalism in africa. Tribalism and ethnicity in africa semantic scholar. Politics in kenya has been characterized by ethnic tensions since independence in 1963. Tribe, a concept that has endeared itself to western scholars and journalists for a century, is primarily a means to. The evils it is the duty of any nigerian to contribute his quota in the battle now being waged against tribalism. The simple answer lies in the fact that it has been politicised in nigeria. The concept of tribalism, like that of the tribe, is difficult to define precisely, as it is closely interwoven with the context in which it is used. Coronavirus lagos faces new round of lockdown, governor warns may 10, 2020. Right from the cradle of creation, man has had course to exceed his boundaries especially in an atmosphere of common tongues.
If there is any one word that has become a serious threat to patriotism for nigerians, it is tribalism. Tribalism tribalism is the attitude and practice of harboring such a strong feeling of loyalty or bonds to ones tribe that one excludes or even demonizes those oth ers who do not belong to that group nothwehr, 2008, p. Causes and solution nigerians are very sensitive when it comes to their ethnic groups. In nigeria, a middle course of federation has been pursued. Pdf the history of tribalism in kenya researchgate. Sep 14, 2011 tribalism in nigeria is a crucial issue of concern with respect to the scope of its practice, and the areas which it has affected.
Ethnicity or tribalism in nigeria s political development ethnicity had played manifesting roles in nigerian politics since the precolonial era and is arguably one of the important causes of conflict and an overall obstacle to economic development of the country. Pundits say the politicians beat the drum while kenyans dance to the tune. Human evolution has primarily occurred in small groups, as opposed to mass societies, and humans naturally maintain a social network. All wellmeaning zambians in general must raise their voices as loud as possible and condemn these bad practices. Department of sociology and african studies center. The role of tribalism in kenyas presidential elections. Ethnic conflicts are very common and they bring about damage to lives and properties. Urbanization and tribalism in nigeria, 19111963 unt. The british colonial masters made the first attempt to build a nation now referred to as nigeria in 1906.
Tribalism and politics in nigeria barbra doziers blog. Tribalism, regionalism and nepotism in zambia are real and must not be glossed over. How to end tribalism and ethnicity in kenya waflay post. Africas democratic transition is back in the spotlight. Tribalism as one of the conflict sources in north kivu.
Tribalism is the state of being organized and advocating for a tribe. In addition, the study explores tribal practices and perspectives in nigerias urban areas, giving special attention to the bases for the continuous. This is because the whole can only be as strong as the parts and the connection between the parts. Tribalism is expressed in different forms, of which the following are the main ones. Full text of tribalism in nigeria see other formats no. Pdf managing tribalism within nigerias democratic challenges. The british without proper evaluation went ahead to merge two diverse people into one country and asked to coexist. Tribe, a concept that has endeared itself to western scholars, journalists, and the public for a. In fact, the tribes cannot respect one anothers religion and culture causes violence between them. The fact that these are sadly engulfing the entire nation must be reason enough that they be fought and kept at armslength at all costs. Perceptions of tribalism and the farmerherder conflict in nigeria a protestor holds a placard during a demonstration against fulani herdsmen killings, in abuja, nigeria march 16, 2017. In popular culture, tribalism may also refer to a way of thinking or behaving in which people are loyal to their.
Without proper management of tribalism in nigeria, we will be left with a terrible identity crisis, confusion of origin and cacophony of alliances. One would have thought that with the invasion of the western way of life in our culture, tribalism would be a thing of the past but alas, it is being transferred. Nov 27, 2012 africas democratic transition is back in the spotlight. Because of the size and potential influence this region has on the world as a whole. Jul 25, 2011 tribalism is expressed in different forms, of which the following are the main ones. The way out of tribalism in nigeria shall be discussed using mainly dual facet approaches drawn from two schools of thought. Pdf tribalism is coined from tribes, an alternative word for ethnic or. Ethnicity had played manifesting roles in nigerian politics since the precolonial era and is arguably one of. As in most developing countries, ideological issues in politics tend to take second place. Managing tribalism within nigerias democratic challenges article pdf available in modern applied science 1111.
Motivation originally our motivation for writing this project derived from the discussion of the concepts of tribalism versus ethnicity which in a common perception have been and still are misunderstood and misused concepts. Tribalism is defined as the state when people are organized by tribes and their lifestyles. In a country with about 170 million people and more than 600 different ethnic groups, it has been impossible for us as a people to. Its funny how tribalism controls how we think and talk and determines what we oppose or support. Dec 03, 2014 in 1914 the northern and southern protectorate was merged to form the country nigeria. It is promoted by the political elites, embraced by the young and the old, passed from generation to generation, and even has base in the constitution. Yes the problem of northern nigeria is rooted tribalism. The emergence of boko haram in our present day society is rooted in it. A new wave of tribalism is threatening to unravel south africas infant democracy, destroy economic development and unleash devastating ethnic violence if not stopped decisively.
448 1259 88 1596 1183 1258 1190 998 646 1266 1118 1158 252 1283 1077 1179 1244 10 206 1211 516 4 5 887 480 19 1290 1127 660 1434 739 1495 1497 441 699 681 1041