By Mohamed Farah Tahar
Tribalism, an age-old aspect of human society, has long helped communities preserve identity, culture, and support networks. Yet, when this loyalty seeps into government systems, it transforms from a cultural pillar into a barrier to national progress.
In many nations with diverse ethnic and clan-based populations, tribal affiliations often eclipse national identity. Political decisions are shaped not by merit or policy but by allegiance to one's tribe. This undermines governance, weakens institutions, and fuels division.
A Persistent Governance Challenge
Tribalism in public institutions manifests in many ways—political appointments, resource allocation, and law enforcement—all tainted by ethnic favoritism. When civil servants and leaders are chosen based on tribal lines rather than competence, the integrity of governance is compromised.
This practice erodes trust in institutions. Citizens feel excluded and disillusioned when they perceive that tribal ties, not talent or fairness, determine their access to justice, opportunity, or public services.
Consequences That Go Beyond Politics
Tribalism’s impact is widespread:
Weak Institutions: Governance structures lose their credibility when professionalism is replaced with patronage.
Social Fragmentation: Favoring one group at the expense of others creates inequality, resentment, and sometimes, violent conflict.
Stalled Development: National priorities are overlooked in favor of parochial interests, leading to uneven development and poor service delivery.
Threats to Democracy: Elections often devolve into ethnic showdowns, reducing political competition to tribal headcounts rather than policy debates.
A Shared Global Struggle
While tribalism is most pronounced in certain parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, it is not confined to any one region. In Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, and other multi-ethnic states, tribalism has been a persistent feature of post-independence politics. Even in developed countries, identity politics—though differently packaged—can echo similar divisions.
Charting a Path Forward
Overcoming tribalism requires deep political will and a societal shift:
Meritocracy Over Loyalty: Transparent hiring and promotion systems in government institutions must prioritize competence over connections.
Inclusive Leadership: Political leaders must champion policies that represent all communities, not just their own ethnic base.
Civic Education: Promoting a strong sense of national identity can help dilute the narrow pull of tribalism.
Institutional Integrity: Independent, well-resourced institutions—especially electoral and judicial bodies—are vital to maintaining fairness and accountability.