Dr Alieu SK Manjang
ASP Binta Njie, the former Public Relations Officer of the Gambian Police, recently found herself at the center of public discourse following her swift response to an offensive remark against the Kiang community made by an associate of the ruling party. Her reaction ignited a debate about the balance between professional duty and personal identity, particularly regarding the rights of public servants to express political opinions within the constitutional limits that prohibit partisan politics but not political expression. However, from a sociological perspective, her response is not merely a personal reaction; it is deeply rooted in her social identity as a Kiangka ߞߌ߬ߦߊ߬ߒߞߏ.
Sociologically, human actions, attitudes, and beliefs are instinctively linked to identity, which is shaped by various social constructs such as tribe, religion, region, and occupation. This identity is not inherent but is constructed and reinforced through socialization, parental guidance, and interactions with society. These social interactions shape both role performance—how individuals act based on their perceived or assigned roles—and role expectations—the norms society places on individuals within a particular identity category.
For instance, religious affiliation dictates moral and ethical behaviors based on teachings received from family, religious scholars, or institutions. Similarly, gender identity imposes societal expectations regarding behavior, responsibilities, and attitudes, influencing what is considered acceptable or unacceptable. Those who fail to conform to these societal expectations often face social sanctions, including ostracization, criticism, or even expulsion from their communities. Conversely, adhering to these norms is seen as a demonstration of authenticity and loyalty to one’s identity.
In this context, Kiang ߞߌ߬ߦߊ߲߬ is not just a geographical location; it is an identity with specific cultural and ideological connotations. A person from Kiang is referred to as a Kiangka, but the term Kiangkaya ߞߌ߬ߦߊ߲߬ߞߊ߬ߦߊ is an ideology which extends beyond origin. In ߒߞߏ or N’Ko Yaa is a suffix or ߞߐߣߙߊ and refers to ideology. Thus, Kiangkaya embodies a set of values and ideological expectations associated with being from Kiang. In Gambian society, various regional identities carry similar ideological meanings wrongly or rightly . For example Jarrakaya is associated with resilience and stubbornness; Badibunkaya signifies industriousness and financial ambition; Kombokaya denotes hospitality and tolerance towards strangers; Niuminkaya is often linked to naivety ( joking, me being a Jaranka) and the list goes on.
These ideological constructs define how individuals from these communities are expected to behave, both in their personal lives and in professional settings. In the case of ASP Binta Njie, her reaction can be understood as an expression of Kiangkaya—a demonstration of loyalty to her roots and resistance against perceived subjugation.
While ASP Binta Njie’s professional role as a police officer comes with institutional expectations of neutrality and restraint, her reaction was shaped by her social identity as a Kiangka. This reflects the sociological reality that individuals do not exist in isolation from their backgrounds; rather, their professional roles are constantly negotiated within the framework of their social identities.
Some may criticize her for allowing her personal identity to influence her public role, but within the Kiang community, she is celebrated for staying true to her origins. Many Kiangkas in public service find themselves navigating this duality—some openly asserting their Kiangkaya, while others remain silent out of fear of professional consequences, often facing criticism from their community for abandoning their values in pursuit of career stability.
ASP Binta Njie’s response should be understood within the sociological framework of role performance and role expectations. While her professional identity as a police officer demands impartiality, her social identity as a Kiangka compels her to respond to perceived insults against her community. Her actions highlight the tension between institutional roles and deeply ingrained social identities, reaffirming that individuals, even in professional settings, are guided by the cultural and ideological constructs that shape their sense of self.
