MONROVIA – Former presidential candidate and human rights lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has accused Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and other political actors of deliberately stoking tribal tensions in Nimba County ahead of the April 22 senatorial by-election, warning that such tactics threaten the county’s unity and Liberia’s fragile peace.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Gongloe condemned recent comments made by Vice President Koung that appear to frame the upcoming election around ethnic identity—specifically appealing to voters based on the Gio and Mano tribal affiliations of the candidate he supports, Rep. Samuel Kogar.
“Anyone who suggests that Nimba belongs only to the Mano and Gio tribes is ignorant of the county’s political history,” Gongloe stated. “Nimba is a political subdivision of the Republic of Liberia. It belongs to every Liberian who chooses to live there, regardless of tribe.”
Gongloe, a native of Nimba and leader of the opposition Liberia People’s Party, described Koung’s rhetoric as dangerous, particularly coming from someone who occupies the second-highest office in the country.
‘Tribal Loyalty Over Merit’
Vice President Koung, who also leads the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), has thrown his weight behind Rep. Kogar, a fellow Gio, in the by-election to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson. Koung has praised Kogar for his loyalty during the 2023 elections, citing his refusal of a $200,000 offer and a pickup truck to switch political allegiance.
“This is what we call gratitude,” Koung told supporters during a recent rally. “The president has instructed me to remain in Nimba until the election is over. We will win this election.”
But Gongloe believes Koung’s endorsement is rooted not in Kogar’s legislative record, but in tribal politics.
“Instead of telling the people what Kogar has accomplished during his three terms as representative, he is asking them to vote based on tribe,” Gongloe said. “That is backward and dangerous.”
A Diverse County Deserves Inclusive Politics
Nimba County, Liberia’s second-most populous region, has long been a microcosm of the nation’s ethnic diversity. While the Mano and Gio are the majority tribes, the county is also home to the Mandingo, Krahn and Gbi, among other groups.
Gongloe noted that these communities have lived in Nimba since its establishment in 1964 and have made meaningful contributions to its development.
He recounted instances of inclusive representation in the past, including the election of James Harris—a Grebo man married to a Mano woman—as a lawmaker in 1986, and the election of Cummings and Constance, both from Maryland County, to legislative seats in the 1970s.
“We must not forget that the first Mandingo lawmaker in Nimba, Soko Sackor, was elected in 1964. Another Mandingo, Kromah, was elected in 1986,” Gongloe said. “These historical facts should remind us that tribal identity should never be a condition for public service.”
He also highlighted the impact of economic migration on Nimba’s demographic makeup, pointing to Ganta and other towns where people from across Liberia have settled for employment opportunities with companies like ArcelorMittal.
“That’s their home now,” he said. “Are we saying they should never have a chance to contest elections? Of course, they should.”
A Call for Merit-Based Leadership
Gongloe, who ran for president in 2023 on a platform of integrity and good governance, urged voters in Nimba to evaluate candidates based on qualifications, experience, and vision—not ethnic origin.
“Garrison Yealue, a former lawmaker from District #4, is the only lawyer in this race. Edith Gongloe-Weh, the only female candidate, once served as superintendent of the county. These are people with proven leadership experience,” he said.
He further rejected claims that his support for Edith is rooted in their family ties.
“Yes, she is my sister. But my advocacy for female representation is not just about her. It’s about empowering half of our population. Nimba hasn’t had a female lawmaker since 2012, while counties like Bong, Lofa, and Bassa have moved ahead. What message are we sending to our daughters who are being educated and dream of leadership?”
Gongloe encouraged voters to emulate countries like Rwanda, where women have made historic strides in political governance.
Gongloe did not mince words when addressing Koung’s own heritage, cautioning against the long-term consequences of tribal exclusivity.
“What if one day, people say Koung is not truly from Nimba because his father is from Sinoe? Wouldn’t that be unfair?” he asked. “He should reflect on this and stop promoting identity politics.”
He also called on President Joseph Boakai to distance his administration from tribal-based campaigning.
“Would the president send the vice president to Grand Gedeh or Maryland if there was a by-election there? This kind of interference sends the wrong signal. As president, he governs all Liberians—not just one county.”
A Plea for Unity
Gongloe’s remarks come at a time when Liberia is still recovering from years of conflict that were, in part, fueled by ethnic divisions. He warned that rekindling tribal sentiments for political gain could have serious consequences.
“Our country has suffered too much because of division. We must not allow the politics of tribe to take root again,” he said. “Let us focus on electing leaders based on character, competence, and commitment to public service.”
As Nimba heads to the polls, Gongloe’s message resonates as a call for unity, inclusion, and a rejection of tribalism in favor of a more democratic and merit-based political culture.