Islamic leader initiates campaign to resolve tensions between Dagombas and Konkombas in Zabzugu

A Tamale-based Islamic cleric, Dr. Abu Dujana Basha Ibn Bayan, has teamed up with other Islamic leaders of Konkomba descent to embark on a campaign to preach peace among Dagombas and Konkombas in the Zabzugu District of the Northern Region.

This is part of efforts to end the recurrent tribal tensions between the two tribes.

Dr. Abu Dujana, who is also the founder and leader of Darul Tawheed, an Islamic institute based in Tamale, believes the intervention of Islamic leaders will help find a lasting solution to the matter.

He was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf Mburidiba, in Tamale on Tuesday.

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He said they, as Islamic leaders, will intensify visits to the two communities, beginning this weekend, to preach peace to residents, especially the youth.

“I invited my brothers Konkomba Imams. They came to my place, and we sat and had a meeting on how we can get a permanent solution to these particular problems. We came to the conclusion that we, the imams, are those who can solve the recurring tensions,” he said.

“If we intensify our visits to those areas and preach peace to them, I think with that, we can get the problem solved,” Dr. Abu Dujana added.

The Islamic leader assured that they will center their campaign around Allah’s words and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

“We will visit both communities, discuss issues with them, and tell them the importance of peace, especially under the revelation of Allah Almighty and also the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that peace is the best. Peace is the only thing we have. When we lose peace, we lose everything,” he explained.

The Northern Regional Minister commended the Islamic leader for the initiative and pledged his support for the initiative.

He said that although calm has returned to the two communities, the initiative by the Islamic leaders will help cement the peace in the area.

“The police commander briefed me that the place is calm and people are going about their normal duties; however, we are happy you have taken these steps for us to have absolute peace,” the minister noted.

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In February, a violent confrontation between hunters from the Dagomba-dominated Zabzugu township clashed with farmers from the Konkomba-dominated Kuntumbiyili community of the Zabzugu District, leading to the loss of at least one life.

This caused tensions in the two communities, with many residents, mostly women and children, fleeing their homes.

Many such tensions between the two tribes have been recurrent in many other parts of the region, despite various peace initiatives by different groups.