Both Gonjaland Youth Association and Birifor Youth Association have issued contrasting but complementary statements addressing the escalating tensions in the ongoing Gbenyiri land dispute, with both groups ultimately calling for peaceful resolution and dialogue.
The Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA) has announced an emergency meeting of all Gonjalanders scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Sawla at 10:00 AM. The meeting comes in response to the ongoing conflict within the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
According to a statement issued by GLYA Public Relations Officer Mankir Ibn Malik, the association believes that “peace, unity, and constructive dialogue are essential in safeguarding the harmonious coexistence that Gonjaland has long been known for.”
The emergency gathering will bring together concerned citizens, traditional leaders, youth, and stakeholders to deliberate on the current situation and chart a peaceful path forward for the communities involved.
Meanwhile, the Birifor Youth Association (BYA) has taken a strong stance against inflammatory content circulating on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where individuals claiming to represent the Birifor tribe have been posting violent rhetoric.
In a statement released Wednesday, August 26, 2025, and signed by BYA Public Relations Officer Joseph Wereh, the association strongly disassociated itself from these messages, describing them as “contrary to our values of peace, unity, and harmony” and a “significant threat to regional stability and security.”
The BYA confirmed it has reported the incidents to security agencies, providing evidence including videos to aid in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the inflammatory posts.
Both organizations emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. The BYA statement particularly called for “an immediate ceasefire between the Gonjas and the Birifors,” noting that “the avoidable loss of lives and destruction of properties must end.”
The association urged both parties to “engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve their differences and work towards lasting peace,” describing this approach as “the only way to ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of our people, region, and the nation.”
The Gbenyiri land dispute has raised concerns about broader regional stability, with both youth associations emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in an area known for its diverse communities and cultural harmony.
The BYA statement noted that the organization stands “in solidarity with those working tirelessly towards peace, development, and the betterment of our community, region, and the nation at large.”
As the Gonjaland Youth Association prepares for its emergency meeting this Saturday, both organizations have made clear their commitment to peaceful resolution over confrontation. The convergence of these statements from both sides of the dispute suggests a shared recognition that dialogue, rather than violence, must be the path forward.
The outcomes of Saturday’s emergency meeting in Sawla are expected to play a crucial role in determining the next steps toward resolving the Gbenyiri land dispute and restoring peace to the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
Security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with evidence provided by the BYA to help identify individuals spreading inflammatory content online.
