The North East Region has faced a turbulent start to the year, marked by protests, communal violence, and rising insecurity.

The unrest began with demonstrations in the eastern part of the region, where residents of Chereponi, Yunyoo, and Bunkprugu constituencies protested against what they describe as the government’s lack of representation.

Despite strongly supporting President Mahama and the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), residents say no local representatives, including their Members of Parliament (MPs), have been appointed to significant positions.

Tensions escalated in the Bunkprugu-Nakpanduri district when protests turned violent. Party properties were destroyed in Nakpanduri as demonstrators demanded that President Mahama appoint their MP to a deputy ministerial role.

This followed earlier chaos in January when NDC supporters seized government offices and warehouses in Chereponi.

Meanwhile, communal clashes erupted in Ngagma-Gbregu, a small farming community near Binde.

The violence, which lasted from February 5 to February 8, was reportedly triggered by the installation of rival chiefs, allegedly sanctioned by the Paramount Chief of the Piib Traditional Area.

The clashes left nearly 100 houses burned and displaced over 500 residents.

Touring the affected communities, MP Abednago Bandim urged the government to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including shelter and food for the displaced.

Adding to the region’s turmoil, insecurity in Bawku sparked violence in the Walewale area.

Unidentified gunmen targeted the Nasia-Walewale-Bolga Road, attacking commercial vehicles and killing travellers in apparent retaliation for similar attacks along the Bolga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road. Reprisal attacks on January 14, February 5, 8, and 11 reportedly claimed eight lives.

In response, the government imposed an unprecedented curfew on Walewale and surrounding communities.

However, enforcement of the curfew has been marred by reports of military brutality. Two residents in Walewale and Loagri have reportedly died from clashes with security forces, with many others injured and properties destroyed.

Local authorities are urging calm and calling on the new government to intensify efforts to restore stability to the region.