More than 65 percent of residents displaced by the Gbiniyiri conflict in the Savannah Region have returned to their communities.
This was announced by the Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak during a press briefing in Accra.
Mr. Muntaka said confidence was gradually being restored through joint peacebuilding efforts by the government, traditional authorities, and security agencies.
The violent clashes, which erupted on August 24 over a disputed parcel of land, over 30 people dead, several injured, and forced thousands—mainly women and children—to flee across the border into Côte d’Ivoire. Homes and properties were also destroyed in the unrest.
“I can tell you today that more than 65% of the people have returned home. Our biggest concern, however, remains those still outside the borders. Many are already coming back, but we want to facilitate the process to make it even faster.
We are receiving strong cooperation from the chiefs and the youth. We have set ourselves a target: by the end of the month, when the committee completes its work, we should be able to bring almost everyone back home,” the Minister assured.
Government has established a seven-member mediation committee, chaired by conflict resolution expert Emmanuel Bombande, to investigate the clashes and propose long-term solutions.
The team—tasked with reconciling factions, facilitating safe returns, and recommending peacebuilding measures—is expected to submit its report within a month.
Mr. Muntaka reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the committee’s work with the needed resources, adding that President John Dramani Mahama is determined to restore peace and stability in Gbeniyiri and its surrounding areas.
Civil society groups and humanitarian organisations have welcomed the progress but continue to call for urgent support for families still affected by the violence.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
