Withdrawing military from Bawku will worsen crisis – Larry Dogbey
Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, Larry Dogbey, has advised against the call for the withdrawal of military personnel from Bawku, stressing that the solution to calming the tension in the community lies in strategic reshuffling rather than a complete pullout.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, July 15, he said while concerns about military conduct are valid, withdrawing troops from the area could create a security vacuum and further escalate tensions.
“The withdrawal of the military is not the solution. There should be a change, but not a withdrawal. There should be a constant reshuffle,” he said, proposing a regular rotation of security personnel to improve impartiality and restore trust among residents.
His comments follow renewed calls by lawmakers for the immediate withdrawal of the military from Bawku and its surrounding areas due to allegations of human rights abuses.
On Monday, July 14, the Member of Parliament for Garu, Dr. Thomas Anaba, called for the withdrawal of military forces, accusing them of brutalizing civilians and disrespecting local authority.
He particularly condemned the reported demolition of a statue of the Zugraan of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, an act he described as provocative and a threat to peace in the area.
Dr. Anaba’s concerns were echoed by the MP for Zebilla, Ebenezer Ndebilla, who accused the military of being compromised and unfit to continue operations in the conflict-prone municipality.
He alleged that the conduct of the soldiers reflected a deliberate plot to endanger the life of the revered traditional leader.
The Zebilla MP also urged the Ministry of Defence and National Security to launch a full-scale investigation into the conduct of military officers stationed in Bawku, demanding that the destroyed statue be rebuilt and that any officer found culpable be held accountable under both military and national laws.
The Bawku conflict, rooted in long-standing chieftaincy disputes, has witnessed frequent flare-ups despite various government interventions. Military deployments have long been used as a peacekeeping measure; however, recent events have triggered public distrust and criticism over alleged misconduct by some personnel.
Source: channelonenewsonline