Casamance has taken another step toward peace. On May 13, a historic handshake brought together the leader of the Diakaye fighters, the governor of the Ziguinchor district, and a government delegate from Senegal.
An uprising in Senegal’s southern area of Casamance has killed over 5000 people and displaced thousands more. Diakaye fighters have now consented to lay down their guns.
“I am motivated by the will to save my brothers and sisters and the women of the masquis,” Fatoma Coly, the commander of the Diakaye faction says.
“Casamance has no enemies. When I was offered the position of commander, I was clear with Diakaye’s leadership. I let them know that I am not a bloodthirsty man. I agree to lay down arms, if it is to bring peace and not to spread terror.”
After years of discussions, a breakthrough has been reached.
It also followed the signing of Act II of the peace accord between Senegal and the Initiative for the Reunification of the Political and Military Wings of the Movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance in March. The state’s negotiator was optimistic about long-term peace.
“We must work together to consolidate peace, including through grassroots development actions, as we aim to find a definitive solution to this long-standing crisis,” Amiral Farba Sarr explained. “We hope to have the support and assistance of all the populations, since they are at the heart of all the concerns.”
“These now ex-fighters of the Diakaye faction of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance took a strong action. They were one of the hard-line factions of the rebellion that has shaken Senegal’s South for more than 40 years. As they agree to lay down arms, they bring back the hope of a definitive return to peace in a very rich region,” journalist Wahany Johnson Sambou.
