Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-22 09:39:53
In the vibrant and lush landscape of Casamance, Yerro, a respected patriarch in his community, stood tall at barely 5ft 4inches among his peers. Alongside his trusted friends – Bocar Jawo, Mama Kandeh, Ousman Baldeh, Goundor Wandianga, and Mamadou Jamanka – he embarked on a journey in the 1960s that would forever change his life, bound by friendship and a shared pursuit of love and family.
The era was steeped in tradition, where the path to matrimony was governed by steadfast rules and rituals. Yerro, known for his farming and hut-building skills, found himself at the heart of a significant moment in his friend Goundor Wandianga’s life. Goundor, a man of modest means but unwavering resolve, was building a hut in Sareh Gehlajor as part of the courtship and marriage process.
In Casamance during the 1960s, making bricks and laying them with mud was a labor-intensive practice for constructing traditional mud huts. The process involved gathering clay-rich soil, water, and organic materials like straw or animal dung. The mixture was kneaded, shaped into bricks, dried in the sun, and laid with mud mortar to construct the hut walls.
As Yerro and his friends worked on building Goundor’s hut, they joked and bantered, reflecting the camaraderie forged through shared experiences. The tradition of preparing and cultivating land for fathers-in-law as part of the dowry was also observed, showcasing the communal support inherent in the tradition.
Goundor’s journey to marriage was unique, marked by his devotion to his ailing mother and the unexpected support he received from the village chief and community. As the walls of the hut rose higher, reflecting their collective effort, a mishap occurred when a stray brick struck Yerro in the eyes, causing concern among the group.
After tending to Yerro’s injuries and realizing the severity of the situation, the group decided to transport him across the river to Kanjor for further care. Crafting a makeshift sling and stretcher, they carried Yerro with unwavering solidarity, facing the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
As they traversed the river, their bond remained unbroken, offering strength and solidarity in the face of adversity. The road ahead was challenging, but they faced it together, united by friendship and shared hardship.
In the midst of darkness, their journey continued, a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. The story of Yerro, Goundor, and their friends in Casamance was one of perseverance, tradition, and the unbreakable bonds that bind us together.
To be continued…
Read the original article on The Standard
