REGSEC meets chiefs, factions in Zuarungu Conflict

Bolgatanga, Jan. 25, GNA - The Chiefs and elders of the Talensi-Nabdam traditional area in the Upper East Region on Tuesday agreed to persuade their people to forgive and tolerate each other in order to bring peace to the area.

They agreement was stated in a resolution following a meeting with the Regional Security Committee (REGSEC) and the Police in Bolgatanga to discuss possible ways of resolving the conflict that started at the weekend between Tongo-Beo and Gonno, neighbouring communities in the Talensi -Nabdam district.

The elders said they would talk to their people and were optimistic that they would be able to manage the situation since they were all related and had always lived in peace.

They, however, urged REGSEC to take a serious look into the situation as soon as possible and appealed for help for those who lost their houses and property.

Mr. Mahami Salifu, out-going Regional Minister, who presided over the meeting appealed to the people to use civil methods to address their problems instead of hurting each other and destroying property.

Mr. Salifu asked that all Schools that were closed down due the conflict be re-opened tomorrow, Wednesday, and normal classes allowed to go on.

He announced that a committee would be set up by REGSEC to delve into the causes of the problem and to suggest ways of settling the impasse amicably.

The two communities began having problems as to where to belong after the new Talensi-Nabdam district was created last year, and the conflict started brewing when the Gonno people thought they were not being treated fairly by the chief of Tongo-Beo.