Senegal has made history by signing a pivotal peace agreement with the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), effectively putting an end to one of Africa’s lengthiest ongoing conflicts.

This monumental deal, which was skillfully brokered by Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, was officially announced during a joint press briefing held in Bissau alongside Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The longstanding conflict in Casamance, which dates back to 1982, has regrettably resulted in the loss of countless lives and had a profound impact on the region’s economy.

The recent agreement signifies a significant milestone towards establishing lasting peace in Senegal’s southern region, which remains separated from the north by Gambia. Prime Minister Sonko expressed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s immense gratitude to Guinea-Bissau for their crucial mediation efforts, which were instrumental in bringing the negotiations to fruition after three intensive days of discussions.

The MFDC group, which has tirelessly fought for the independence of Casamance for over four decades, has seen its pursuit of peace gaining momentum in recent years. During May 2023, a notable breakthrough was achieved when at least 250 MFDC fighters surrendered their weapons in Mongone, indicating a profound shift towards reconciliation. This latest agreement ignites hope for a stable and economically revitalized Casamance, ushering in an era of lasting peace following what has been one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.

Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/02/25/senegal-signs-historic-peace-deal-with-casamance-separatists/