One more victim has been killed in the ongoing Bawku conflict, which has seen a rise in violence and unrest in the Upper East region.
The deceased, a Bolga-Bawku commercial driver known as Maadi, was attacked on his way to Bolgatanga and his vehicle burnt to ashes.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, November 2, sparking sporadic gunfire in the area.
This brings the death toll from recent clashes to 21.
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The violence, which had appeared to subside, reignited following the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival chief who had been on exile since February 2023.
Abagre initially fled Bawku after an arrest warrant was issued against him following his contested installation as chief in Nalerigu.
However, a High Court ruling in Kumasi on October 17, 2024, quashed the warrant, allowing him to return.
His arrival on October 26 sparked a resurgence of the long-standing chieftaincy dispute, resulting in gunfire that left two dead and several others injured. The community now faces renewed tension and fears of further violence.
In response to the situation, the government has imposed a curfew in the area, citing Alhaji Seidu Abagre’s presence as a significant threat to residents’ safety.
The curfew, which commenced on October 28, 2024, and lasts from 6 pm to 6 am, aims to restore peace and order in the area.
The decision was made after an emergency national security meeting, chaired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, due to significant disturbances affecting public peace and security in Bawku and its environs.
These disturbances have resulted in the loss of numerous lives, with a looming threat of escalation beyond Bawku.
The Bawku chieftaincy dispute dates back to 1931. It revolves around the occupation of the Bawku skin, which represents chiefly authority in the Bawku traditional area.
The conflict between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups has been ongoing, with historical contestation and political interference fueling tensions.
In recent years, the conflict has been characterized by recurring waves of violent clashes, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property damage.
The surge of arms in Bawku has also contributed to the conflict’s escalation, with many residents feeling obliged to arm themselves for protection.