Bawku Conflict: Mistrust in security personnel may stall peace process – Dr Victor Doke - MyJoyOnline (2025)

Security Lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Dr Victor Doke, has expressed concern that the ongoing peace process in Bawku could face significant setbacks unless trust is rebuilt between the community and security personnel.

Speaking on AM Show on JoyNews, Dr Doke warned that a lack of trust in security forces could undermine efforts to establish lasting peace in the region.

He explained that the primary role of security personnel is to instill confidence among the community by protecting them from attacks by opposing factions.

However, when this trust is broken, security forces may be viewed as a threat rather than a safeguard.

“The main purpose of having security forces is to ensure that people trust them to prevent the other faction from crossing over, attacking, or singling them out,” Dr Doke said.

“However, if, while going about your business, a security person attacks you instead, it creates the perception that they are not there to protect life and property or maintain law and order," he stated.

Dr Doke also raised concerns about security forces acting in the name of peace-building but failing to respect local customs and the authority of traditional leaders.

This disregard for local traditions, he argued, deepens mistrust and increases tensions within the community.

“If security forces engage in peace-building activities but then ignore the norms and traditions of the land, or act against directives given by local kings or chiefs, then we are sure to have these kinds of incidents,” he warned.

He emphasised that for peace to prevail in Bawku, the cooperation of the local population is crucial. This cooperation can only be achieved through mutual respect and understanding.

“The people in the area will not trust the security personnel if they insist on doing things their own way. That’s what has happened. It’s as simple as that,” Dr Doke noted.

“Trust is necessary for cooperation. When trust is broken, people will no longer provide you with vital information, and the situation will escalate,” he added.

Dr Doke cautioned that for peace to truly take hold in Bawku, security forces must prioritise rebuilding the community’s trust by honouring local traditions and working closely with traditional leaders.

"Without this, efforts to resolve the conflict may continue to falter, and tensions could rise further" he concluded.

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