Hamile restrictions without defined timeline could deepen mistrust between residents and security agencies – FOSDA

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) has warned that prolonged restrictions imposed on Hamile following the November 3, 2026 dynamite explosion could deepen mistrust between residents and security agencies and heighten tensions in the border community.

The organisation has therefore called on the government to immediately lift the curfew and urgently reassess the necessity of the restrictions, warning that prolonged measures without clear communication or a defined timeline for review could undermine community cooperation essential for effective border security.

In a statement, FOSDA acknowledged the government’s responsibility to maintain security and public order but expressed concern about the growing economic and social hardship the restrictions were imposing on residents.

“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.

FOSDA said Hamile, a border community whose livelihoods depend heavily on trading, transportation and cross-border commerce, was experiencing significant economic disruption following the incident.

Information received from local contacts indicated that women food vendors, traders, transport operators, shop owners and other small-scale businesses were experiencing substantial income losses.

Residents were also reportedly facing difficulties accessing essential services during restricted hours.

The organisation warned that the continued restrictions could extend the economic consequences beyond Hamile, particularly as long-haul trucks transporting goods to Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries remained stranded.

According to FOSDA, parked trucks were reportedly stretching from Hamile towards Nandom, approximately 17 kilometres away, threatening transportation activities, regional supply chains and the livelihoods of traders.

The organisation stressed that security measures must be proportionate, regularly reviewed and responsive to changing circumstances.

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

FOSDA argued that targeted security measures, including appropriate controls on firearms and explosives, could be maintained without imposing blanket restrictions on residents’ movement and livelihoods.

It also called for a transparent and speedy investigation into the dynamite explosion and the subsequent confrontation between residents and security personnel.

Authorities, it said, must establish the origin, quantity and intended destination of the explosives, the circumstances surrounding their detonation and allegations of firearm use during the initial interception and subsequent confrontation.

The organisation further called for impartial investigation into reported civilian injuries and accountability where wrongdoing was established.

FOSDA also urged the government to strengthen preventive border security through adequately resourced and operationally empowered Border Security Committees (BOSEC), improved intelligence-sharing and meaningful engagement with border communities.

It said the authorities must act urgently to restore normal life, ensure accountability and address the security vulnerabilities exposed by the incident.

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

The organisation reiterated its call for the immediate lifting of the curfew, a speedy and credible investigation and decisive action to prevent a recurrence.

“Security must protect both lives and livelihoods,” it said.