64 conflicts linger in Upper East Region, Peace Council urges dialogue
He disclosed that the majority of these conflicts, 66 percent, are rooted in chieftaincy and land disputes, while another 30 percent stem from farmer-herder clashes.
The Peace Council in the Upper East Regional has raised the alarm over the persistence of 64 active conflicts in the region, calling for urgent and collective action to restore peace and prevent further destabilisation.
Speaking at the 2025 Panafest and Emancipation Day celebrations at the historic Pikworo Slave Camp in Paga, Damien Asobayire, the regional executive secretary of the Peace Council, stated the severity of the situation.
He disclosed that the majority of these conflicts, 66 percent, are rooted in chieftaincy and land disputes, while another 30 percent stem from farmer-herder clashes.
The region, as we speak today, has about 64 conflicts, with chieftaincy and land disputes constituting 66 percent and farmer-herder conflict constituting 30 percent,” Asobayire stated.
He further warned that some of these unresolved conflicts are creating fertile ground for the recruitment of youth into violent extremist groups, particularly given the region’s proximity to areas affected by rising insecurity in the Sahel.
Despite the troubling statistics, Asobayire reaffirmed the National Peace Council’s dedication to peacebuilding efforts through dialogue, mediation, and stakeholder engagement.
“Let us draw upon the rich traditions of unity, community dialogue, and mutual respect that are deeply rooted in this region to protect our borders peacefully and promote sustainable development,” he urged.
The Council called on traditional leaders, community members, civil society organisations, and government agencies to work together to address the root causes of conflict and create platforms for peaceful conflict resolution.
The event, part of national activities commemorating African resilience and emancipation, served as a powerful reminder of the need for unity, especially in regions grappling with social divisions and historical grievances.
The Peace Council reiterates its intensified efforts to resolve these disputes, and continue to emphasize the need for inclusive dialogue and community-based peace initiatives, as the most effective tools for achieving long-term stability in the Upper East Region.
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