Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa and a prominent legal practitioner, has advocated for a military-led intervention to resolve the protracted conflict in Bawku.
His arguments, articulated in media interviews and public statements, emphasize the failure of existing strategies and the need for a decisive security response.
Mr. Bentil argues that repeated attempts at mediation and policing have failed to curb the violence, which has escalated to a “war-like” state with armed groups using sophisticated weapons and targeting security forces.
He said “We keep doing the same things. It’s been failing. The Bawku situation is not a police matter… It’s an army situation”
He contends that the military is uniquely trained to “take territory, hold it, and impose peace,” a capability beyond the police’s mandate.
Bentil highlights incidents like the shooting of the Inspector General of Police’s vehicle as evidence that policing is inadequate.
Again he asserts that negotiation is ineffective when parties believe they can achieve their goals through violence: “If you believe you have what it takes to make your adversary do what you want, you will never negotiate” he said.
The conflict is deeply rooted in chieftaincy disputes, political interference, and economic marginalization
Some have supported Mr. Bentil’s proposition by stating that a strong military presence could deter further clashes, protect civilians, and prevent external infiltration by extremist groups exploiting the instability.
Others disagree and say Military action risks civilian casualties and further radicalizing youth, who may perceive it as state bias toward one ethnic group. Supporting their argument, they espouse that Bawku’s proximity to Burkina Faso raises concerns that heavy-handed tactics could create vacuums exploited by jihadist groups.
Bentil’s stance reflects a hardline security perspective, prioritizing immediate stability over gradual dialogue. However, the debate underscores a broader dilemma: whether military force can sustainably address a conflict rooted in historical grievances and political neglect.
