the various ethnic groups have existed in the town for decades without any significant problems. segbwema, though it is a rural town, has a truly metropolitan feel as all the various groups have a strong sense of community and citizenship. everybody participates without fear in the internal politics of the town and intermarriages has also strengthened tribal affiliations. one major reason for this close-knit multi-ethnicity is that everybody in segbwema speaks mende and almost all speak krio. in essence there is no communication problem among the different communities. segbwema is also unique in that every ethnic group is allowed to serve in the administration of the town, either as chiefs or as tribal authorities.