Source: Africa Publicity
In a groundbreaking development, the Senegalese government and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) have signed a peace agreement, brokered by Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. This landmark deal brings an end to one of Africa’s oldest conflicts, which has ravaged the Casamance region for four decades, claiming thousands of lives and crippling the local economy.
According to Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, “We were able to participate in the conclusion of this important agreement, which constitutes a very big step towards definitive peace in Casamance.” Sonko made this statement at a joint press briefing on Sunday, alongside President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Prime Minister Rui Duarte Barros of Guinea-Bissau.
The MFDC, founded in 1982, has been fighting for independence in Senegal’s southern region of Casamance, which borders Gambia. However, in a significant shift towards peace, at least 250 MFDC fighters surrendered their weapons in Mongone, a former separatist stronghold, in May 2023.
Sonko also announced that “We had to close the work on the negotiations between the MFDC and the state of Senegal.” This development marks a significant milestone in the peace process, which has been facilitated by Guinea-Bissau.
The peace agreement is a testament to the strengthening ties between Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, and is expected to bring stability to the Casamance region, enabling the resettlement of displaced people and paving the way for economic development.
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