MP for Walewale condemns curfew, calls for inclusive security measures

The re-imposition of a curfew on Walewale and its surrounding areas in the North East Region has sparked strong opposition from the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru.

The decision, which follows two incidents allegedly linked to the ongoing Bawku crisis, has been criticized as politically motivated and ineffective in addressing the root causes of insecurity in the region.

Dr. Abdul-Kabiru argues that the move unfairly punishes innocent civilians while failing to implement a comprehensive approach to ensuring peace.

In a statement addressing the curfew, he outlined several concerns, including the lack of consultation with affected constituencies, the selective application of security measures, and recent acts of military brutality against civilians.

See below for the full statement:

“My attention has been drawn to the recent decision to impose a curfew on Walewale and its surrounding areas following two incidents allegedly linked to the Bawku crisis within the Walewale constituency. While I have consistently condemned attacks on travelers in and around Walewale, I must emphatically state that this decision is both ill-advised and politically motivated, offering no real solution to the underlying issue.

Firstly, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, consulted Members of Parliament from the Bawku area without extending the same engagement to those of us equally affected. This exclusion demonstrates a clear lack of commitment to fostering peace and instead appears to be an unjustifiable use of state power to punish innocent civilians.

Secondly, if the government truly believes that a curfew is the best security measure at this time, then it should have been imposed across all areas where attacks on travelers have occurred, including Binduri, Zebilla, and Garu. It is particularly concerning that these attacks—some of which have happened under military escort—have not been met with similar security measures. Since December 2021, at least 25 such attacks have been recorded, including three in the last month alone. The selective enforcement of this curfew raises serious concerns about whether the lives of travelers to and from Bawku are being treated with equal importance.

Thirdly, a more reasonable and effective approach would have been to enhance highway patrols and provide security escorts for travelers. Deploying even half of the police and military personnel assigned to enforce the curfew could have ensured the safety of both travelers and businesses, rather than imposing restrictions that disrupt daily life.

Fourthly, the government’s intentions were laid bare when, on January 15, 2025, military personnel, without provocation, brutally assaulted innocent civilians. Although the military later apologized, their continued unlawful and excessive use of force is both distasteful and unacceptable. In the past two days alone, security forces have indiscriminately tortured residents in Kukua, Loagri, Walewale, Gbimsi, and Wulugu, resulting in one fatality and several others sustaining serious injuries. I will be working closely with the families of the deceased and other victims to pursue all available legal avenues to seek justice.

Lastly, the decision to impose this curfew, coupled with the Interior Minister’s communication on the matter, unfairly suggests that the people of Walewale are responsible for these attacks. This is a dangerous and misleading narrative. While it is true that certain individuals are exploiting the poor security situation to carry out attacks, the entire community should not be made to suffer for the failure of security forces to apprehend those responsible.

That said, I urge the people of Walewale and the general public to support security agencies in maintaining peace and stability in the area. Violence has no place in our society, and collaboration with law enforcement is crucial in addressing these security concerns. I also appeal to the Ministry of Interior to reconsider this decision and adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to restoring peace. Any forceful enforcement of this curfew will only breed resentment and further escalate tensions in Bawku.

Thank you.

Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, PhD (MP, Walewale)