African state reaches peace with separatists
Senegal's government has signed a peace agreement with the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) to end one of Africa's longest-running conflicts, state media reported on Monday.
The deal, mediated by President of Guinea Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo, was finalized on Sunday after three days of negotiations between MFDC representatives and a committee from Dakar, according to Senegalese broadcaster RTS.
'We were able to participate in the conclusion of this important agreement which constitutes a very big step towards definitive peace in Casamance,' RTS quoted Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who was on an official visit to Guinea-Bissau as saying.
The talks, the first between the MFDC and the Senegalese authorities that have been made public since their election last March, are part of a series of efforts aimed at restoring peace in Casamance – a region in the West African nation's south plagued by a separatist rebellion for over four decades.
Casamance has been the site of conflicts since 1982, driven by the separatist MFDC, which has been battling for independence due to frustrations over alleged marginalization and exploitation by the central government. The conflict, which has resulted in thousands of casualties, has continued but at a less intense level in recent years.
In 2022, the Senegalese government, led by former President Macky Sall, reached a similar agreement with the group, with both parties committing to end armed clashes and establishing a permanent ceasefire. The authorities also announced a program to disarm MFDC members and reintegrate them into society.
At least 250 MFDC fighters reportedly surrendered their weapons in May 2023 in Mongone, in the Ziguinchor region, where they had a major armed base.
The latest agreement reached between Prime Minister Sonko, who was formerly the mayor of Ziguinchor, Casamance's capital, reportedly upholds the commitment made in the 2022 deal, which was also signed in Bissau.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has been in office for less than a year, declared in his end-of-year address last December that peace in Casamance is his top priority. He launched the Diomaye Plan for Casamance to facilitate the return of displaced people, the peace process, and the development of the troubled region.
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