Lobi-Birifor Council calls for peace in Bole-Sawla conflict

The Lobi-Birifor Council of Elders has made a strong appeal for peace in the Bole-Sawla conflict, stressing that the violence must come to an end immediately.

The Lobi-Birifor Council of Elders has officially called for peace in the Bole-Sawla conflict, describing the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable. In a press release, the Council said the disturbances at Gbeniyiri have escalated into a broader Bole-Sawla conflict, resulting in needless deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of families.

According to the Council, the Bole-Sawla conflict has left many peace-loving citizens in fear and despair. The elders cautioned that communal violence in Bole-Sawla can never produce winners but only leads to pain, regret, and instability for both the Lobi-Birifor and Gonja people.

The statement emphasized that the Bole-Sawla conflict undermines a long-standing relationship between the two groups, which has been built over centuries of peaceful coexistence, intermarriages, and cultural exchanges. The Council said such historical bonds must never be allowed to be destroyed by violence.

The elders reminded both communities that their forefathers lived peacefully with Gonjas for centuries and today remain united through shared traditions. “We are one people, and we cannot afford to let the Bole-Sawla conflict erase our good history,” the statement noted.

As part of its appeal, the Council urged all Lobi-Birifor individuals in possession of weapons to disarm immediately. It also called on the Yagbonwura, the Overlord of Gonja, to use his influence and leadership to intervene and restore peace in the Bole-Sawla conflict.

The Council extended the call for restraint to other traditional leaders such as Bolewura, Kongwura, Mandariwura, Sawlawura, Kalbawura, and Tunawura, urging them to prioritize peace in their communities.

Acknowledging the role of security agencies, the Council commended the Inspector General of Police for personally visiting Bole-Sawla to assess the conflict situation. It also praised the efforts of youth associations on both sides for consistently preaching peace.

In conclusion, the Council assured the Yagbonwura and his sub-chiefs that the Lobi-Birifor people have never planned or premeditated disturbances in Bole-Sawla. They described the conflict as unfortunate and called for a thorough investigation to guide peaceful coexistence moving forward.

The release was signed by Thomas Bebeh Senor, Chairman of the Lobi-Birifor Council of Elders, and copied to the Gonja Traditional Authority, the Bolewura, the Savannah Regional Minister, the Peace Council, and all media houses.