All Mandingoes The Same, Don't Divide Yourselves, says Seama Sheriff

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007/ Reports by Sidiki Trawally for FELMAUSA

Seama Sheriff discusses Mandingo unity with Hon. Dukuly

Milwaukee WI -  Seama Sheriff, President of the Quardu Gboni Mandingo Association is ecstatic that Liberian Mandingoes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin have buried their differences for the sake of their community.

 

He made known his joy when he briefly addressed the audience at the jam-packed inaugural ball of the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the USA, held at the Mother Daniel’s Conference Center in Milwaukee Saturday.

 

Seama Sheriff cautioned his kinsmen that, “Mandingoes are not supposed to pick and choose amongst themselves as this would point out divisiveness.” He pointed out that “Lofa Mandingoes, Nimba Mandingoes or Gbarnga Mandingoes, we are all the same, so do not divide yourselves.”

 

Former Liberian Senator from Bomi County, Mohammed Dukuly concurred.

 

In his brief remarks, the QGMA President praised FELMAUSA for breaking the long-standing impasse that existed among fellow Mandingoes in Milwaukee. He challenged the Federation to continue the effort by reaching out to other Mandingo communities where disunity continue to roam, to broker peace.

 

The QGMA President used the occasion to declare his organization’s supports for FELMAUSA, saying, “We in Quardu Gboni stand for peace, unity and progress in our country. We are going to work with FELMAUSA to ensure that our people are served well.”

 

Mandingo Leadership Forum Suggested

 

Pres. Sheriff underscored the need for a Mandingo Leadership Forum, which he noted would incorporate leaders of all Mandingo organizations to enable them point their efforts in the same direction.

 

He challenge FELMAUSA leaders to put aside stereotyping and bring all Mandingoes under one umbrella. “FELMAUSA will remain strong if it sees the bigger picture to making sure all Liberian Mandingoes are united and headed toward the same direction.”

 

He thanked FELMAUSA leadership for participating in the QGMA inauguration in Newark, NJ recently. Seama lectured FELMAUSA, saying “leadership is an enormous responsibility, but it can be done.” He called on the leadership including the executives and the board of directors to work together to make FELMAUSA doable. “Don’t be enemies, don’t be at loggerhead, for these are tendencies that will further divide us and we will not achieve anything.”

 

At the program, the following were inducted respectively; Mohammed Richmond Konneh, President, Mameita Jabateh-Sirleaf, Vice President for Administration, Mamadee Bangalee Sesay, Vice President for Operation, Morris Manjue Kromah, Secretary General, Haja Mansa Keita, Treasurer and Mohammed M.Y. Sheriff, Financial Secretary.

 

Also on the Board of Directors are; Abraham S. Kromah, Chairman, Abdula Quisiah, member, Amadu Sackor, member, Frank Sanoh, member, Gafee Swaray, member, Ishmail Komara, member, Kalifala Bility, member, Khalifala Donzo, Member, Kasimu Sillah, member, Mohammed Dorley, member, Mohamed Bility, member and Musa Fofana, member.

 

As the gathering disbursed at about 02:00 AM, many headed back to La Quanta, a hotel on 41 North where majority stayed for the night. Sunday morning was a little emotional, as some family members would not let go others, reason being that they had not met for more the seven years. However, hours later, Milwaukee once again regained its normal population as the visiting strangers were out. Lassana Bamba, Jr and Losine Sackor contributed to this report.