Convention fever grasped Mandingoes across the United States      

The third  annual convention of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Association in the USA (FELMAUSA) is the around the corner, Mandingoes all over the United State of America, are gearing up to spotlight the event in the twin’s cities of Minnesota on July 4^th weekend.  

This convention is unlike previous ones; it’s not about a fascinating reunion of family members, childhood friends, and long time sweet hearts, nor is it going to be about socialization but to create an opportunity for Mandingoes ethnics grouping in the Diaspora to come together and hold civil discussions on relevant issues, including politics, social, and economics future of the group.

The sensation this historic event has created already is undeniably going to be headline catching. The enthusiasm is irresistible in every sector of the Mandingo communities including Philadelphia, where huge numbers of Mandingoes reside.

This convention is conveying a clear message to the Mandingo community, that when it comes to leading the Mandingo community, we no longer cherish self-proclaimed leaders in our community; instead we must scrutinize and elect our leaders through an electoral process, in which case the people participate.

The upcoming convention is eminent, the campaigns are heating up, and the numbers of candidates vying for positions to lead our community for the next two years are unprecedented to say the least. Thanks to the democratic process, and our people are certainly making progress in the field of politics something we as a people negated in the past.

However, while the campaigns are generating more excitements and the candidates are pitching for last minutes votes, we must evaluate and question their motives in seeking the highest office.

We must hold them accountable and demand clear strategies in regard to the issues that affect our communities both locally and internationally. The need to strategize to address and solve relevant issues that our community faces on the daily basis is crucial. The issues are real, they exist and they need to be confronted.

The issue of equal employment opportunity in Liberia, the issue of gender equality, the land disputes in Nimba county and elsewhere in Liberia,  the issue of equal protection under the law, the issue of  Mandingoes advocacy funds, the issue of equal religious funding and protection, the issue of education  and the issue of corruption just to name a few. These issues should not be left untouched nor should be buried under the rug; they are certainly mind-boggling and require unwavering approach to tackle them. 

Let me remind the contestants that the leadership of FELMAUSA is far from socialization, and is not intended to be handed on a silver platter to anyone, nor is it intended to be a monarch style of ruler-ship, where the throne is handed from relative to relative or to a preeminent position holder. This Organization must now live up to expectation and see itself beyond sectarianism and find a strategy to unite our people.

Don't use FELMAUSA as springboard

It should not be seen or used as a springboard for any individual political interest nor should its funding be miss-appropriated for individual interest. The candidates need to speak to the issues and do away with personal attacks.  The promise of the word change sounds fabulous to many convention goers and may attract delegates at the convention but, the word change without action become inept.

This campaign is not about good orator ship, it is not about who knows who or what, it is certainly not a popularity contest, but a contest to confront challenges and solve problems. Finally, let me congratulate all the candidates for their courage to enter the race, and declares everyone as winner and no loser, I urge everyone to come together, regardless of the election result in promoting and fostering unity within our community.

Respectfully yours

Musa V.Trawally