Bawku violence highlights critical security intelligence failures - Lecturer

In a region already strained by years of conflict, recent events in Bawku have left many questioning the effectiveness of security measures and intelligence gathering.

Dr. Victor Doke, a lecturer at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, expressed his deep concerns during a discussion on Newsfile, emphasizing that the resurgence of violence could have been mitigated with better intelligence strategies.

Dr. Doke stated unequivocally, “I agree strongly that there was some sort of lapse with regards to intelligence because the conflict is a decades-old conflict that every stakeholder is aware of and knows of.”

His remarks highlight a glaring oversight in monitoring and managing the intricacies of local tensions, especially concerning the movements of individuals like Seidu, whose return to Bawku was anticipated to provoke unrest.

Reflecting on the situation, Dr. Doke pointed out the fundamental flaws in the intelligence strategies employed. He argued that there should have been an active process of monitoring key events and press conferences, using them as opportunities to gather insights about influential figures and potential triggers of violence. “How about monitoring those press conferences, picking up the sources, picking up individuals, and interrogating them to know where Seidu is? We didn’t do that,” he lamented.

In February 2023, Dr. Doke had warned about the risks of allowing Seidu back into Bawku, suggesting that it could lead to significant unrest. Unfortunately, his predictions came true, culminating in three chaotic days filled with shootings and disruptions that shook the community to its core. “I mentioned that Seidu should not be allowed to enter Bawku; otherwise, there would be consequences. Now the unfortunate has happened,” he recounted, emphasizing the dire need for preemptive action in volatile environments.

One of the most troubling aspects of the situation is how a figure like Seidu managed to enter Bawku without raising alarms. “We have a number of security services manning these areas. How is it that Seidu came into Bawku unnoticed? There are a lot of questions that need to be answered,” Dr. Doke asserted. This lack of awareness points to a significant failure within the security apparatus and raises doubts about the capabilities of the agencies responsible for maintaining peace in the region.

-MyNewsGH