By: Alieu Manjang
Senegal’s political achievements, exemplified by the Pastef Party’s success under Ousmane Sonko in presidential and legislative elections, are deeply rooted in the nation-building efforts of the 1960s. During this pivotal period, Senegal laid the foundation for state institutions and cultivated a unified national identity through education. Though initially characterized by political struggles and competition among tribal groups for dominance, this era ultimately resulted in a political compromise and broad popular consensus that elevated the state’s priorities above ethnic and regional interests.
Today, Senegal enjoys the fruits of this compromise, which required groups to set aside narrow ideologies and self-serving agendas to focus on uniting citizens and strengthening national affiliations. This unity has enabled nationalist political parties to gain widespread popular support. It has also fostered a collective sense of responsibility among Senegalese citizens to prioritize the interests of the state, as seen in the inclusive participation in political protests and demonstrations that cut across ethnic, tribal, and regional lines. Unlike The Gambia, where public opinion often fractures along tribal lines, Senegal has cultivated a cohesive national identity that transcends such divisions.
A critical factor in this success is the central role of Wolof culture and language in Senegal’s media, education, and public life. Although this cultural dominance may not equally benefit all tribal groups, it reflects a political consensus that has bolstered national cohesion and stability. This shared cultural framework discourages politicians from exploiting tribal differences for personal gain, thereby fostering a stable political environment and directing focus toward collective national goals.
By contrast, The Gambia continues to grapple with political and social divisions, a legacy of its failure to establish a unified national identity during its formative state-building years. Gambian politicians have often embraced ideological considerations and imposed notions of identity that reflected the aspirations of the elite and educated classes but failed to resonate with the broader population. As a result, the country remains fragmented along tribal lines, lacking a clear and cohesive national identity. Tribal politics continue to serve as a tool for political manipulation, undermining national cohesion and stalling socio-economic progress.
Senegal offers a compelling model for overcoming such divisions, even in sensitive areas like religion. Its success underscores the importance of political compromise and consensus in forming a national identity that unites citizens. While Senegal’s identity is shaped by the dominance of Wolof culture, this framework has fostered cohesion and political stability. The French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of social stability being tied to the dominance of a cohesive cultural component aptly applies to Senegal’s experience. Bourdieu argued that competition for dominance among disparate groups often leads to instability and chaos—an outcome Senegal has successfully avoided by uniting around a shared cultural framework.
Historically, successful nations have built their identities on a dominant framework, often reinforced through education and integration policies. For instance, countries like the Netherlands and Britain require immigrants to pass compatibility exams as part of the naturalization process, ensuring alignment with the national identity. Similarly, Senegal’s approach to nation-building demonstrates the benefits of centering national identity on a cohesive cultural foundation.
If The Gambia seeks to emulate Senegal’s political maturity, it must adopt a similar approach that prioritizes political will over tribal affiliations and ideological divides. This will require compromises, such as allowing one cultural framework to play a dominant role, while distinguishing The Gambia’s identity from that of its neighbors. Though this may not equally favor all tribes, it would ultimately foster national cohesion, unify the citizenry, and curtail the tribal politics that have long hindered The Gambia’s socio-economic development. By rallying around a shared national identity, The Gambia can overcome its divisions and achieve lasting political stability and progress.
