The National Peace Council (NPC) is actively working to resolve about 10 ongoing conflicts in the Northern Region, most of which are rooted in chieftaincy and land disputes.
According to Rev. Fr Thaddeus Kuusah, former Northern Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council (NPC), these disputes are concentrated in the eastern part of the region. He noted that while the ethnic aspects of the conflicts have diminished, the tensions persist.
Fr Kuusah shared these insights during a stakeholder dialogue focused on strengthening civilian-security relations to prevent violent extremism. The event was part of the Preventing Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoTVESA II) project, supported by the Netherlands Embassy and implemented in partnership with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
The dialogue brought together youth groups, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and security personnel to promote trust and cooperation in communities considered vulnerable to extremist threats.
Fr Kuusah warned that conflicts often escalate during the rainy season—a time extremist groups may exploit to infiltrate communities. He pointed out that existing tensions, combined with youth unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, poor access to essential services, and limited government presence, create conditions that extremists could use for recruitment.
He called on all stakeholders—traditional leaders, youth, civil society organisations, and security forces—to collaborate in addressing these issues. He stressed that preventing violent extremism requires community-wide involvement and not just the efforts of security agencies.
Frank Wilson Bodza, Deputy Director for Conflict Management and Resolution at the National Peace Council (NPC), also addressed the forum. He highlighted the Northern Region’s heightened vulnerability due to its history of conflict and its proximity to the Sahel, where extremist activity is increasing.
He praised participants for their dedication to building trust between communities and security agencies. Bodza said sustained dialogue and information sharing will be key in addressing potential threats and ensuring long-term peace in the region.
