The overwhemed growing numbers of intellectuals within our community give us reasons to believe that our community is susceptible of
producing an actionable leadership that can positively impact the Liberian  Mandingos  and the Liberian community at large,  both  in Liberia and
around the world.

But the million dollars question is, HOW DO WE MAKE THIS POSSIBLE AND WHEN?

My answer to these questions is as simple as A.B.C;

(A) AIMS;
In my view, if our  AIMS and objectives can be unequivocally presented, and we remain   unconfined and unimpeded by self-righteousness,
greediness and selfishness, we would be able to engender a productive leadership that we envision as Liberian Mandingoes.   

(B) BIGGER PICTURE;  
I think It would be possible,  if we begin to behold our community interest as the BIGGER PICTURE above all bigotry, flamboyance and superiority
contest.
Although, we may disagree at time, but it is a  glaring fact that we share more in-common than we don't, as Mandingoes.

Hence, it is incumbent upon us all to bulwarks the image and the interest of our noble Mandingo community.

(C) CONTRIBUTIONS;
The viability of our community depends on our collective strive and meaningful CONTRIBUTIONS to the well-being of the Liberian  Mandingo
community, irrespective of our geographical locations, settlements, origins or counties.

To summarize my definitions of A.B.C, to AIM at the BIGGER PICTURE and make positive CONTRIBUTIONS for our community and our country.

I believe, acquiring higher education such as (AA,BA,MA and PHD) are very much essential for our community but, if we can use our education to
positively impact our community, have a track record of community service, honesty, equity and fairness, which would indicate the rectitude of
our motives, are also a plus, and should be our paramount  concern to electing/selecting our leaders.

2011 election is right around the conner. Where are our so-called " political maestros"? Is there any plan or strategy devise to protect our
interests come 2011 general elections ? Or are you waiting for the last minute to gamble our community  interests for your selfish-gain? No! I
don't think so, but  if you want our support as community, this is the time to bring your platform forth to the community for review. We would be
looking for several issues that are vital to us as a community:

(1) Land dispute in Nimba County and other areas in Liberia;
All our Lands that was illegally snatched by  unscrupulous elements in Nimba County and other areas in Liberia, must be unconditionally
returned to the rightful owners.

(2) CHECK POINTS
All insignificant check points must be removed because, they are the recipes of corruption, intimidation and harrassment. And they are also been
used as a tools to abstract money from our people, which is a flagrant constitutional violation on our right to "freedom of movement."

(3)TRIBALISM
Have a constitutional amendment that would allow tribalism to be treated as a hate-crime in Liberia, which  I believe would  be in the interest of all
Liberians, evident to the fact that tribalism has been one of the major contributing factors to the persistent civil unrest in Liberia.

Finally, my two cents advice to our beloved community  is, we must not give our supports to any individual or  party who would not seek the
interest of our community, regardless of tribes or political affiliations. We must not allowed ourselves to be victimized by their eloquence and
political posturing. As (W. CLEMENT) said, that "Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is
right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity".

If we can say no to sectionalism, no to divisions and distractions, no to hypocrisy, no to dishonesty and petty jealousy, and say YES to fraternity,
YES to tolerance and tranquility, YES to equality, justice and respect for rule of law for all Liberians, I'm convince, that we can build a viable
community, where every Liberian can live in peace and harmony with integrity.  

Thank you.

"ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WHATEVER WE DO OR SAY, WE WOULD BE JUDGED BY HISTORY"
As 2011 elections  approach, what  are we doing as Liberian Mandingoes towards the prospects of  our
community, politically?
By Sekou Kenneh
May 24, 2010