Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-04-11 01:05:00
Liberia’s history has been marred by a brutal civil war that left behind deep scars and bitter relationships between citizens from Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties. The war, which often took tribal lines, resulted in senseless violence and killings among Liberians.
In a recent statement, Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, a former Liberian warlord, highlighted the ethnic tensions that still exist between the people of Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties. Nimely expressed his concern over the mistreatment of his kinsmen by the people of Nimba County, despite the efforts of Grand Gedeans to foster friendly relations through intermarriages and property exchanges.
Senator Nimely pointed out the significant presence of Nimbaians in Grand Gedeh County, numbering over 17,000 individuals who are actively involved in various aspects of life in the county. However, he lamented the lack of reciprocation from Nimba County, particularly in accepting Krahn people into their communities. This lack of acceptance, according to Nimely, has created a serious problem and has led to instances of discrimination and violence against Krahn individuals in Nimba.
Nimely specifically called out Nimba County’s political figure, Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, for not addressing the discrimination faced by Grand Gedeans in Nimba. He recounted incidents where Krahn individuals in Nimba were mistreated and even faced death due to their ethnicity. These stories served as examples of the deep-seated ethnic tensions that continue to divide the two counties.
In response to Nimely’s accusations, Senator Johnson defended the people of Nimba and urged his colleague to refrain from making divisive statements in public. Johnson emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and unity among Liberians, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. He questioned the validity of Nimely’s claims and called for a more constructive dialogue between the two counties.
The exchange between Senators Nimely and Johnson highlighted the complex ethnic dynamics that still plague Liberia and underscored the need for ongoing reconciliation efforts. Despite the lingering wounds of the civil war, there is hope that through dialogue and mutual understanding, Liberians can overcome their differences and strive towards a more united and peaceful future.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
