A month ago
Bawku Conflict: Remove Seidu Abagre from Bawku to Restore Calm, Says Dr. Victor Doke
In a recent statement, Dr. Victor Doke has suggested that the removal of Seidu Abagre from Bawku could help restore calm in the area. According to Dr. Doke, tensions have been escalating due to certain individuals whose presence, he argues, intensifies existing hostilities. He identified Seidu Abagre as a key figure whose removal could be instrumental in diffusing the conflict and allowing peacebuilding efforts to progress.
Dr. Doke, a respected figure in conflict resolution and a well-known advocate for peace in Northern Ghana, voiced his concerns amid rising violence and deep-seated mistrust among the Bawku community factions. Bawku, a town in the Upper East Region, has long experienced clashes rooted in ethnic, chieftaincy, and land disputes. These issues have claimed lives, displaced families, and destabilized livelihoods. Dr. Doke emphasized the urgent need to address both root causes and key influencers to enable a lasting resolution.
In his analysis, Dr. Doke highlighted the role of individuals whose affiliations or perceived loyalties contribute to the mistrust and insecurity within Bawku. He argued that Seidu Abagre’s presence has become a flashpoint for recurring confrontations. “When an individual is seen as polarizing, regardless of intention, it can hinder dialogue and peace processes,” Dr. Doke explained, suggesting that Seidu Abagre’s removal would allow security forces, mediators, and local leaders to operate more effectively without local interference or perceived biases.
Local stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to Dr. Doke’s proposal. Some community leaders agree that certain influential figures should step aside to facilitate peace, while others argue that targeting individuals may unfairly assign blame and fuel further resentment. Nonetheless, Dr. Doke remains firm, asserting that immediate action is required to prevent additional violence.
“Peace in Bawku cannot be restored through force alone; it needs strategic, people-centered approaches that prioritize de-escalation and build trust,” Dr. Doke noted. He called upon the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and local authorities to carefully consider his proposal. According to Dr. Doke, focusing on neutralizing polarizing influences, coupled with sustained dialogue, could create an environment where longstanding grievances are finally addressed.
In response, the REGSEC has acknowledged Dr. Doke’s proposal, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines security operations with social interventions. As Bawku continues to navigate its complex challenges, the call for removing certain individuals from the area has become one among several strategies aimed at restoring peace and enabling the community to heal.
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