Solomon Weawea of the LNHCDA is questioning the historical recognition of Liberia’s Mandingo and Fula tribes, as well as the legacy of Sao Boso Kamara. He highlights the lack of representation and documented ties within Liberia’s acknowledged history. Weawea’s discourse challenges the conventional historical narrative and advocates for a deeper understanding and recognition of indigenous contributions to Liberia’s development.
In a recent discourse, Solomon Weawea, the Executive Director of the Liberia National Heritage and Culture Development Association (LNHCDA), has raised important questions regarding the historical acknowledgment of the Mandingo and Fula tribes. He referenced the absence of a designated headquarters for the Mandingo tribe within Liberia’s 16 tribal composition and highlighted that the Fula tribe, once a significant Muslim demographic, lacks recognition on official lists. These inquiries underscore the ongoing neglect of these ethnic groups in Liberia’s political and cultural narrative.
Weawea also initiated a critical examination of the historical context surrounding Sao Boso Kamara. He posed compelling questions such as, “Who was Sao Boso Kamara, Liberia’s first president? What happened to his family ties? Why do we lack records of his lineage?” This inquiry challenges the traditional historical narrative that typically credits Joseph Jenkins Roberts as Liberia’s first president, thereby prompting a re-evaluation of indigenous leaders’ roles in the nation’s formative history.
Sao Boso Kamara, identified as a significant Mandingo leader and Muslim cleric in the early 19th century, was instrumental in leading the Condo Confederation. His leadership helped unite diverse ethnic groups, such as the Mandingo, Lorma, and Gbandi, fostering peaceful coexistence and facilitating trade between the interior and coastal regions. Weawea’s reference to Kamara as “Liberia’s first president” necessitates a broader exploration of indigenous contributions to Liberia’s political landscape.
Moreover, the lack of documented familial connections to Sao Boso Kamara raises concerns about the accuracy of Liberia’s historical records. Weawea’s inquiries also highlight the underrepresentation of the Mandingo and Fula tribes despite their essential contributions in Liberia’s development and progress. He posed additional questions, asking whether the Mandingo was the second most influential tribe in the original capital and how their position diminished over time.
Weawea’s interrogations invite a reassessment of Liberia’s history, urging historians, scholars, and citizens alike to delve into the overlooked contributions of indigenous communities. His commitment to unveiling and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Liberia is evident in his assertion that, “We decoded a missing piece of Liberian history and more.”
Solomon Weawea’s inquiries into the historical recognition of the Mandingo and Fula tribes, as well as the legacy of Sao Boso Kamara, underscore significant gaps in Liberia’s recorded history. His efforts call for a reevaluation of how indigenous leaders are viewed within Liberia’s narrative and urge a greater recognition of these communities’ contributions to the nation’s cultural and political history. By championing this cause, Weawea and the LNHCDA aim to illuminate the diverse heritage of Liberia and ensure that these crucial historical aspects are acknowledged and preserved.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
