Sierra Leone: Mendes Have Evolved a Spiritual Civilization

opinion

The Mende ethnic group that are found primarily in the Southern and Eastern provinces of Sierra Leone have evolved a very spiritual civilization where the tenets of Justice, fair play, dignity of the human being, are sacrosanct. The Mende proclivity for Justice give non-Mendes - like Temnes, Gissis, Fullahs, Madingoes, Temnes, Limbas, Vais, Creoles, Lebanese...etc. - who settle in 'Mende-land' the confidence to intermarry with the Mendes, acquire land, and settle permanently in Mende territory. The keen sense of Justice which is the nexus of Mende religion and society (for example, it would be indeed rare for Mendes to adjudicate a case between a Mende and a non-Mende and where the Mende would do something which is starkly wrong and his Mende kith and kin side with the Mende because the other person is a 'foreigner') have build up the confidence of non-Mendes to get assimilated into what I can term as a 'Mende-speaking civilization'. So, today in the South-East, many people who are classified as 'Mendes' are really not as such Mendes 'by blood' - but, Fullahs, Madingoes, Temnes, Vais, Gissis, Sherbros, etc. - who have been assimilated by the Mende civilization.

Coachie Mansaray's words being dangerously misused

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.