News Desk Report
The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) has called on the government to immediately lift the curfew imposed on Hamile following the 3 November 2026 dynamite explosion, citing growing economic hardship among residents.
The organisation has also urged authorities to expedite a transparent investigation into the explosion and the subsequent confrontation between residents and security personnel.
In a statement, FOSDA acknowledged the government’s responsibility to maintain security and public order but expressed concern that prolonged restrictions were disrupting economic activities and access to essential services in the border community.
Hamile’s economy depends largely on trading, transportation and cross-border commerce. According to information received by FOSDA from local contacts, women food vendors, traders, transport operators, shop owners and other small-scale business operators are experiencing significant income losses.
The organisation also expressed concern over reports that long-haul trucks transporting goods to Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries remain stranded, with parked vehicles reportedly stretching from Hamile towards Nandom, about 17 kilometres away.
FOSDA warned that the disruption could extend the economic consequences beyond Hamile, affecting transport operators, traders and regional supply chains.
Although it recognises the need for security measures following the incident, the organisation said such measures must be proportionate, regularly reviewed and responsive to changing circumstances.
With reports indicating that calm has returned to the community, FOSDA urged the authorities to reassess the necessity of maintaining the curfew and consider targeted security measures that would not unnecessarily restrict residents’ movement and livelihoods.
It stressed, however, that lifting the curfew should not undermine efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
FOSDA called for investigations into the origin, quantity and intended destination of the explosives, as well as the circumstances surrounding their detonation.
It also urged authorities to investigate allegations of firearm use during the initial interception and subsequent confrontation, alongside reports of civilian injuries, to ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
Beyond the immediate incident, the organisation called for stronger preventive border security measures, including adequately resourced and operationally empowered Border Security Committees (BOSEC), improved intelligence-sharing and meaningful engagement with border communities.
FOSDA warned that prolonged restrictions without clear communication or a defined review timeline could deepen mistrust between residents and security agencies, heighten tensions and weaken the community cooperation needed to maintain effective border security.
It said residents should not continue to bear the economic and social costs of an unresolved security incident, urging the government to restore normal life, ensure accountability and address the security gaps exposed by the tragedy.
“Security must protect both lives and livelihoods,” the organisation stated, reiterating its call for the immediate lifting of the curfew, a speedy and credible investigation, and decisive measures to prevent a recurrence.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com