We Are Not Safe at Bawku, Civilians See Us as Enemies – Soldiers
Deployed soldiers in Bawku reveal the dangers they face from hostile civilians, political interference, and dire living conditions, hindering their peacekeeping mission
- Soldiers in Bawku face hostility from civilians
- Military personnel are bound by strict orders and political interference
- Poor living conditions add to the soldiers' struggles in the conflict zone
In a heartbreaking revelation, soldiers stationed in Bawku, a town plagued by ongoing ethnic conflict, have spoken out about the immense dangers they face daily.
Deployed to restore peace, the security personnel have revealed that their lives are constantly at risk, not just from the violent clashes between rival groups, but from the very civilians they are meant to protect.
According to the soldiers, their presence in the region is seen with suspicion and hostility.
“If you’re in uniform, you’re automatically an enemy,” one soldier explained. “The locals view us with disdain, as if we’re part of the problem, not the solution. We’re supposed to protect them, but in their eyes, we are the enemy,” they told Kwame Tanko on the Ghana Se Sen show on Lawson TV/Radio
The tensions in Bawku have deepened over the years, and the soldiers’ inability to engage directly with civilians has made their job increasingly dangerous. With long-standing ethnic divisions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups, any appearance of military personnel — regardless of their mission — often leads to animosity and mistrust.
The soldiers describe a grim reality: they are trapped in a conflict where they cannot openly engage the civilians who may be hostile to them and must instead follow strict orders from above. The inability to act decisively due to political interference only adds to the soldiers’ sense of helplessness.
“We are here under orders, but we are caught in the middle of a generational fight,” another officer shared. “The locals don’t trust us. We can’t shoot civilians, even if they shoot at us. Our hands are tied by the rules of engagement.”
The soldiers, who are living under difficult conditions in remote barracks, face not only physical threats from the locals but also severe shortages of food, water, and supplies. “We receive food in batches, and sometimes we go days without a proper meal,” one soldier lamented. “Water isn’t sourced locally; it has to be brought in from far away, which only makes things harder.”
Despite these hardships, the soldiers continue their mission, adhering to orders to maintain peace, but their frustration is growing. They have become increasingly disillusioned by the political complexities surrounding the conflict. Political leaders and external forces have played a role in exacerbating the situation, further complicating their efforts to bring stability to Bawku.
“We know what needs to be done to end this conflict, but we are not allowed to act,” said one officer. “It’s clear that the political agenda takes precedence over the lives of the people here and our own safety. This is not just a military mission, it’s become a political game, and we’re the pawns.”
The soldiers’ cry for help is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices being made by those on the frontlines.
They have called for greater understanding of their situation and an urgent need for support, both in terms of resources and policy changes.
“We need to be allowed to do our job properly,” one soldier pleaded. “If we can’t act freely and without political interference, then there will never be peace here.”
As the conflict continues to unfold, the question remains: Will those in power listen to the voices of the soldiers on the ground, or will they remain trapped in a political web that only prolongs the suffering in Bawku?
