…While Africa Counts Tribes, America Counts Votes
Written By Alhaji K. Tarawally, PhD
International Relations Specialist
As an immigrant from Sierra Leone, now living in Silicon Valley, California, I often feel like I’m caught between two worlds. I watch how politics and identity play out on two very different continents. This past week, I felt a deep sense of amazement as New York City, the world’s largest city—held its mayoral election.
The outcome of the election wasn’t just a change in leadership; it was a loud shout about what makes America truly special. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist born in Uganda to a Ugandan teacher and an Indian filmmaker, made history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and African-born mayor.
The 34-year-old, the youngest mayor in over a century, won more than a million votes — the first candidate to do so since 1969. A significant victory. He beat out the old-school candidates—an independent backed by the Cuomo family and Republican Curtis Sliwa. On January 1st, he’ll be sworn in as the city’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest ever.
This isn’t just news; it’s proof. Mamdani’s win came from a group of young, hopeful voters who got over two million New Yorkers to vote. It felt like a strong pushback against the nasty national politics we’ve seen lately between the Democrats and the Republicans.
His campaign was a perfect example of modern organizing: personal outreach that reached every part of the city’s five boroughs—from impoverished neighborhoods and nightclubs to large offices and sunny beaches. It was boosted by one of the most intense social media efforts in U.S. political history. His bold ideas—focusing on sharing wealth fairly and improving public services—really connected with voters aged 18 to 35. They saw him as more than a politician; he mirrored their diverse, linked-up world.
He’s married to a Syrian American artist, a loud critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, and people call him the future of the Democratic Party. He’s a mix of many backgrounds, but voters judged him on his ideas, not his labels.
As I followed the election closely, my thoughts turned to Africa and my home country, Sierra Leone. The difference hits hard and hurts. While New York celebrated a leader who doesn’t fit into easy boxes, much of African politics is still trapped by regional ties, tribal loyalties, and religious hatred. Across the continent, elections aren’t about big visions or fundamental skills, they’re just counts of who belongs to which group or region. Leaders often acquire power due to their family or birthplace, rather than because they’ve earned it.
The question about African politics isn’t “What can you do for the country?” but “Where are you from?” or “Which god do you worship?” This setup has held our continent back, creating splits where we need unity and rewarding blind loyalty over fresh ideas. It crushes talent and keeps power in a tiny, closed circle. I hope that one day, Africa—and Sierra Leone, in particular—will select leaders based on merit, rather than ethnicity or region.
That’s why America will always be the greatest nation on Earth—because of its diversity. This isn’t blind love; it’s an honest look at its core strength. Forget what you’ve heard about Donald Trump’s recent push on immigration. America operates under the rule of law, separation of powers, and the fundamental principles outlined in its Constitution.
This setup is why America leads the world. No president can ignore, control, or scrap these key principles. It’s this foundation that makes room for someone like Zohran Mamdani. It turns America’s mix of cultures into a real advantage, not an endless fight. While countries like Russia and China force everyone to think and act the same, America’s strength lies in its energy, its ability to self-correct, and its constant refreshment from new people and ideas.
There’s something truly beautiful about this country. It’s one of the rare places where an immigrant can arrive with just a dream, join the military, become a citizen, and rise to become a mayor, senator, governor, or even higher. At its best, this nation judges you by what you give, not where you were born. It offers fresh starts, second chances, and the quiet magic of fitting in.
In many parts of Africa, your birthplace still sets your limits. If you’re from somewhere else, you’re often treated like an outsider—not good enough to lead or dream big. But here, the promise is real, even if it’s not perfect: Anyone ready to work hard, serve, and believe can add their own story to America’s tale. Mamdani’s win isn’t just for New York; it’s a light for the world and a harsh lesson for the continent I still call home.
I love America even though my birth country, Sierra Leone, is deep down in my heart. God bless the America of second chances.