Tribal mentality remains one of the quiet but serious challenges undermining our continent of Africa. Across Africa, countries continue to define themselves more by their clan, tribe, or ethnic group than by their nationality. While culture is an important foundation of identity, problems arise when loyalty to tribes becomes stronger than loyalty to the nation. This mindset has weakened unity, slowed development, and kept the continent divided.
We cannot deny, culture plays a positive role in shaping values, history, and social cohesion. And in Malawi, our cultural diversity is a source of pride. However, culture must support national building. But over the past years, we have seen a rapid growth of annual cultural and tribal festivals.
Almost every tribe or ethnic grouping now has its own festival, held every year with growing publicity and with political attention. What might have started as genuine efforts to preserve culture has increasingly turned into a competition of show-off, relevancy of existence and political recognition.
For sure many of these festivals now appear more like copycat. Their focus seems more of showing of their existence, superiority, or relevance rather than contributing to national values. Instead of promoting the country’s identity as one nation, these gatherings emphasise on who belongs where, who is distinct from whom, and which tribe carries more influence. I fear this approach is contributing to growing polarisation our country.
Let me be clear here that my concern is not coming from hatred of culture. I come from the Kyungu royal clan, which has a long and respected history of preserving our cultural traditions and values. My concern is when culture becomes disconnected from national purpose. Remember, when culture fails to promote national unity, shared values, and patriotism, it risks weakening the very fabric that holds the country together.
Looking at our country, national development challenges affect everyone equally and do not choose tribe. Yet tribal mentality distracts us from these shared challenges. Instead of collectively demanding better governance, equity, and accountability, we retreat into tribal camps and pull one another apart. Sadly, our political leaders, carried away by the pursuit of power, exploit rallies and cultural festivals to promote tribal loyalty rather than a national vision, thereby further deepening divisions.
For sure, this narrow way of thinking limits progress. A nation cannot develop when its people think in small tribal boxes. Development requires cooperation, trust, and a shared sense of destiny. Patriotism grows when people see themselves as part of a national story, not just a cultural group. When Malawians put their national identity first, they are more likely to protect public resources, demand fairness in national distribution of development, and work together for common goals.
I would emphasise, cultural festivals are not the problem on their own. But when they add little value to national identity, they become part of the problem. Malawi needs cultural expressions that celebrate diversity within unity, not diversity that pulls the nation apart. Festivals should clearly show how every culture contributes to Malawi’s national story and shared future.
Yes, we might say cultural pride is important, no dispute about that. However, national pride must come first. Our country must deliberately promote a mindset in which being Malawian takes precedence over tribal identity. Only then can culture serve as a tool for strengthening national identity and advancing development.
