DIPPA-KUNDA, KMC—Dippa-Kunda neighbors used to get along fine, until there was a breakaway within the United Democratic Party (UDP) over who should run as a Mayor for the party in the Kanifing Municipality. Supporters of Papa Njie and Talib Bensouda are having a go at each other in Dippa-Kunda. Supporters of Talib have accused Mr. Njie’s supporters of provocation, and in some occasions allegedly attacking Talib’s supporters in Dippa-Kunda. Papa Njie’s supporters have strongly denied such allegations.
With few days before the May 12th Mayoral elections, Dippa-Kunda is becoming a hostile neighborhood. People, who used to attend each other’s naming ceremonies, wedding, and funerals can hardly see each other eye to an eye today. Politics is tearing Dippa-Kunda residents apart.
Talib’s supporters have stormed social media bombarding wild allegations against Mr. Njie’s supporters. This is evident on the Whatsapp messages being shared among Gambians both at home and abroad. Some of the messages borders on national security. Talib’s supporters are threatening to take on their neighbors come election day.
The political chaos in Dippa-Kunda among Talib Bensouda and Papa Njie’s supporters is taking a tribal dimension. Both Talib and Mr. Njie should prevail on their supporters to keep the peace and stop the verbal and physical confrontation.
The tribal bigotry should also stop. Hate speech is also on the rise in Dippa-Kunda.
Conversely, we expect the Gambian intelligence to work with the police in ensuring that pre/post-election violence is thwarted in Dippa-Kunda. Tempers are flaring up in this onetime peaceful and friendly community called Dippa-Kunda.
Those circulating tribal bigotry messages on whatsapp should desist from such ungodly activities. Peace is not a commodity that is on sale at the market. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all Gambians—irrespective of party affiliation, tribe, creed, or religion to jealously safeguard our much-cherished peace. We rest our case.
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