Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – In a vital step in the direction of ending over 4 a long time of battle, the Senegalese authorities and the provisional committee of the political wing of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) signed a follow-up peace settlement on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The settlement establishes a ceasefire, the give up of weapons, the regrouping of insurgent fighters, and their social reintegration into society.
The settlement was initialed in Bissau underneath the mediation of Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, within the presence of Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. It particularly applies to the MFDC’s southern entrance, primarily based in Kassolol and led by Cesar Atoute Badiate. The Swiss humanitarian group “HD” facilitated the negotiations, persevering with its dedication to bringing each events collectively for a definitive peace in Casamance, Senegal’s southern area that has been affected by insurgency for over 40 years.
The signing was witnessed by the top of the Senegalese negotiating group, the chief of the insurgent delegation, a consultant from HD, and Guinea-Bissau’s navy counterintelligence chief, Major General Samuel Fernandes.
Building on Previous Commitments
This newest settlement follows a earlier declaration of mutual engagement signed on August 4, 2022, in Bissau. That settlement outlined the framework for the rebels’ disarmament and the steps towards a peaceable decision.
The MFDC delegation additionally submitted a doc titled Proposals for Points for Discussion, emphasizing 4 key areas: safety, politics, justice, and the position of the political wing of the unified fighters.
By signing Sunday’s settlement, the insurgent group reaffirmed its dedication to the 2022 declaration and expressed its willingness to succeed in a everlasting peace deal, together with the entire deposition of arms.
PM Sonko: “A Stable Casamance is Key to Development”
Speaking on the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reiterated the significance of peace for Senegal’s future, thanking President Embalo for his mediation.
“President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has an ambitious economic and social development plan for Casamance, but it cannot be implemented without definitive peace,” Sonko acknowledged.
He additional emphasised the interconnectedness of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, saying, “Everything that impacts Senegal also impacts Guinea-Bissau, and vice versa. We must pacify this space to place our country on the path of development by addressing the legitimate concerns of the population.”
Guinea-Bissau’s Role within the Peace Process
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo highlighted Guinea-Bissau’s position in brokering peace, recalling that negotiations had been ongoing in Bissau since February 19 earlier than culminating within the signed settlement.
“We cannot play with Senegal’s stability in Guinea-Bissau, just as Senegal cannot play with our stability,” Embalo asserted. He referenced previous conflicts, notably the 1998 political and navy disaster, which compelled many Bissau-Guineans to hunt refuge in Senegal, underscoring the deep ties between the 2 nations.
Embalo additionally famous the sturdy curiosity of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in securing peace in Casamance, calling it a vital step for the area’s stability.
Towards a Lasting Peace
The Casamance battle, certainly one of Africa’s longest-running insurgencies, has precipitated immense struggling, with hundreds displaced and periodic clashes between rebels and the Senegalese navy. While earlier peace efforts have been met with challenges, this newest settlement indicators renewed momentum towards a everlasting decision.
With the backing of Guinea-Bissau and worldwide mediators, the Senegalese authorities and MFDC’s southern entrance look like on a clearer path towards ending the long-standing battle, paving the way in which for financial and social transformation in Casamance.
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