Political Divisions Deepen Bawku Conflict, Hindering Peace Efforts

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KEY POINTS

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• Political divisions fuel Bawku conflict, complicating mediation efforts.
• Neutral mediation committee proposed to resolve tensions and promote peace.
• The actions of the military have been criticised for making the situation in the region get worse.

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The long-standing conflict between the Mamprusis and Kusasis in Bawku has been exacerbated by partisan political divisions, making peace efforts increasingly challenging, according to security analyst Colonel (Rtd) Festus Aboagye.

He pointed out that the political situation in the area makes it very challenging for the government to directly exercise its arbitration jurisdiction since any perceived bias is likely to fuel the rage even more.

Commenting on former President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to Bawku, Col. Aboagye described it as a positive step, but cautioned that political affiliations could undermine its impact. “The historical divisions and political allegiances make it challenging for the President to lead mediation directly,” he said during an interview with Citi TV.

Neutral mediation seen as key to lasting peace

Col. Aboagye suggested the formation of a neutral mediation committee as the means of trying to resolve the problem.

This, he recommended, should comprise both the traditional leaders and respected regional figures as was done in the case of the Dagbon Chieftaincy crisis.

“What’s needed is an independent process with key regional figures facilitating dialogue and ensuring lasting peace,” he said. He pointed out that if the root causes of conflicts like ethnic boundary, land disputes, and historical injustice as well as rivalry in the allocation of resources were resolved; then Bawku would experience permanent peace.

Military presence escalates tensions, analyst warns

The analyst also accused the military in contributing to the conflict as their peace enforcement measures made the problem even worse.

“The military has become part of the conflict by using force, which has worsened tensions,” he said, urging a shift toward peacekeeping and dialogue-focused strategies.

According to Graphic Online, more than 30 lives have been lost in recent months due to escalating violence. Col. Aboagye however stated that other forces might worsen the situation in the area, especially considering Bawku’s closeness to Burkina Faso which still experiences the effects of the Sahelian crisis.

Conflict threats and potential for restoration

Dismissing cross-border arms flow allegations as to fueling the conflict, Col. Aboagye cautioned that external actors could harness the situation.

“That is why we need to be cautious of external forces that could likely worsen an already sensitive situation,” he said noting that an involvement of groups from the outside could greatly increase the level of violence involved.

Nonetheless, he said he applauded President Mahama’s visit; he expects it would encourage dialogue and reconciliation among them.

He demanded more effective and intensive efforts towards the sources of the conflict with the view of nurturing lasting peace.