Wechiau youth explain palace ban on MP, DCE

The Wechiau Youth Association has provided detailed reasons for its decision to prevent the Member of Parliament for Wa West, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, and the District Chief Executive, Hon. Richard Wullo, from accessing the palace of the Wechiau-Naa on Monday, December 29, 2025.

In a statement signed by the President of the association, the youth group said the action was taken deliberately to safeguard the traditions, land ownership, values, and chieftaincy institutions of the Wechiau Traditional Area, which they say have come under strain due to prolonged ethnic tensions.

According to the association, the long-standing disagreement between the Waala and Birifo tribes has, over the past year, escalated into violent confrontations that have led to loss of life, destruction of property, and heightened insecurity within the area. The youth argued that the deteriorating situation required decisive action to protect traditional authority from political interference.

The statement accused both the MP and the DCE of showing disregard for the Wechiau-Naa, his divisional chiefs, and sub-chiefs, particularly during critical moments of the conflict. The youth claimed that the traditional leadership repeatedly reached out to the two political leaders to assist in mediation efforts, but those appeals were allegedly ignored.

They further alleged that while the MP and DCE were seen engaging individuals and groups linked to one side of the dispute, they failed to visit the Wechiau-Naa’s palace to either mediate, consult traditional authorities, or sympathise with families affected by violent incidents in Wechiau.

The association expressed particular disappointment in Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, noting that his recent involvement in peace-building initiatives in other parts of the Savannah Region raised expectations that similar efforts would be applied within his own constituency. The youth said the perceived failure to do so strengthened suspicions that both leaders had taken partisan positions in the Waala–Birifo conflict.

Despite the confrontation, the youth group stressed that it does not support violence in any form. It called on all indigenes and settlers in the Wechiau Traditional Area to embrace peaceful coexistence and dialogue as the only sustainable path to resolving the conflict.

However, the association issued a strong warning against attempts to undermine traditional authority or politicise chieftaincy matters, insisting that such actions would be resisted. The youth reaffirmed their commitment to defending Wechiau’s land and chieftaincy institutions, describing them as a sacred heritage passed down by their ancestors.

The statement concluded with an appeal to key stakeholders, including security agencies and relevant authorities, to intervene decisively to help restore calm and stability in the Wa West District.