Hamile curfew causing economic and social hardship on residents – FOSDA

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) says the curfew imposed on Hamile following a dynamite explosion is causing growing economic and social hardship for residents.

In a statement, the organisation called on the government to immediately lift the restrictions, warning that they were affecting the livelihoods of people in the border community.

“While recognising government’s responsibility to maintain security and public order, FOSDA is concerned about the growing economic and social hardship the restrictions are imposing on residents,” the statement said.

FOSDA explained that Hamile’s economy depends largely on trading, transportation and cross-border commerce, making residents particularly vulnerable to prolonged movement restrictions.

It noted that “prolonged restrictions, particularly without clear communication or a defined timeline for their review, could also deepen mistrust between residents and security agencies, heighten tensions and undermine the community cooperation essential for effective border security.”

The organisation said information received from its local contacts showed that several categories of small-scale businesses were already experiencing financial difficulties.

“Information received by FOSDA from local contacts indicates that women food vendors, traders, transport operators, shop owners and other small-scale businesses are experiencing significant income losses,” it stated.

It added that “residents also face difficulties accessing essential services during restricted hours.”

FOSDA also expressed concern about the impact of the curfew on the transportation of goods to neighbouring countries, particularly Burkina Faso.

“Of particular concern are reports that long-haul trucks transporting goods to Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries remain stranded, with parked trucks reportedly stretching from Hamile towards Nandom, approximately 17 kilometres away,” the statement said.

According to the organisation, the disruption could affect businesses and transportation activities beyond the immediate community.

“This disruption risks extending the economic consequences beyond Hamile to transport operators, traders and regional supply chains,” it warned.

Although FOSDA acknowledged the need for security measures following the dynamite explosion on November 3, 2026, it argued that the restrictions should be reviewed in light of developments in the area.

“However, such measures must be proportionate, regularly reviewed and responsive to changing circumstances,” it stated.

The organisation further said, “With reports indicating that calm has returned, the authorities should urgently reassess the necessity of maintaining the curfew.”

It maintained that security could be strengthened without imposing blanket restrictions on residents’ movement and livelihoods, noting that targeted measures could be maintained to address concerns involving firearms and explosives.

FOSDA stressed that lifting the curfew should not affect efforts to investigate the explosion and the subsequent confrontation between residents and security personnel. It called for authorities to establish the origin, quantity and intended destination of the explosives, as well as the circumstances surrounding their detonation.

The organisation also called for an investigation into allegations of firearm use during the initial interception and subsequent confrontation, adding that reported civilian injuries required impartial investigation and accountability where wrongdoing was established.

It further advocated stronger preventive border security through adequately resourced and operationally empowered Border Security Committees (BOSEC), improved intelligence-sharing and meaningful engagement with border communities.

FOSDA said residents should not continue to bear the economic and social consequences of the incident while investigations remain unresolved.

“Hamile’s residents should not continue to bear the prolonged economic and social costs of an unresolved security incident,” it stated.

It added that “The Government must act with urgency to restore normal life, ensure accountability and address the security vulnerabilities exposed by this tragedy.”

Concluding its statement, the organisation emphasised: “Security must protect both lives and livelihoods.”

It therefore renewed its call for the immediate lifting of the curfew, a speedy and credible investigation, and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.