A delegation from the Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has met with officials in La Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen peaceful relations following the displacement of Ghanaians who fled into the country after renewed clashes in Gbiniyiri.

The recent conflict between Gonjas and Brifos left parts of Gbiniyiri and surrounding communities in turmoil, forcing some residents to seek safety across the border.

Leading the delegation, Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe described the engagement as “first-class diplomacy,” noting that the high-level visit to Bouna was to express Ghana’s appreciation to Ivorian authorities for their support.

He was accompanied by the Political Coordinator at the Office of the President assigned to the Savannah Region, Hon. Sorku Kassim Yahuza, and the DCE of Bole District, Hon. Mahamoud Abdullai.

Mr. Be-Awuribe pledged Ghana’s commitment to ensuring displaced persons are treated with dignity while efforts continue to de-escalate tensions, demobilise armed groups, and reintegrate affected residents under negotiated terms.

“We are here to, first of all, thank the President of Bourkani Region and all the leadership of Bouna for receiving Ghanaians who, for one or two reasons, ought to relocate from where they are to become refugees within Côte d’Ivoire, and we are happy that the authorities received them very well.

We are here to give them support to make them comfortable. Of course, it is a temporary situation. The authorities of Ghana are working to overcome the situation that led to their relocation to Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.

The Prefect of Bouna, for his part, appealed to traditional and opinion leaders along the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire frontier to support security agencies by sensitising communities on the dangers of conflict and retaliation.

He emphasised that security efforts alone are not enough without community vigilance. According to him, every villager, chief, elder, and youth must remain alert and report suspicious behaviours to help prevent attacks and reprisals.