Conflict resolution expert Emmanuel Bombandey has said addressing the conflict in Dagbon will require both the criminal justice and mediation efforts. According to him, mediation efforts and the legal process to bring the killers of the Ya-Na to justice are both necessary for appeasing the factions there. Over the weekend, President Mills asked the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to revive mediation talks between the Abudu and Andani factions. There have been some criticisms over government’s decision to pursue the legal aspect of the case whilst calling for the mediation efforts to be stepped up. However Mr Bombandey, who heads the West African Network for Peace-building (WANEP), told Joy FM’s Super Morning Show peace and justice can be pursued simultaneously. “The two tracts are mutually influencing and yet completely different. The track that is trying to hold the perpetrators of the murder of the Ya-Na accountable is one that is addressing the question of justice and the question of impunity. And that is where it stays.” “…How healing, reconciliation, the rebuilding of the Kingdom of Dagbon as one people, two royal families, posterity and the children of Dagbon growing up with this recognition is the one that comes through this traditional process and we should never underestimate it” Meanwhile spokespersons for the Asantehene, Osei Antwi, told Joy News that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will be sending emissaries to his colleague eminent chiefs to meet over the President’s appeal. “After the meeting they will take a decision how they are going to deal with the whole thing.” Story by Joy News/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana