Reactions continue to pour in following the recent address to the nation by Senegal’s new head of state, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on the eve of the country’s Independence Day. Among these reactions, there is a message from Hamidou Djiba, the spokesperson for the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) faction close to the late Abbé Diamacoune Senghor.

In the message, the spokesperson expresses cautious optimism about the new leadership and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Casamance.

Hamidou Djiba of the Mangoukoro MFDC faction criticizes President Faye for not addressing the Casamance issue in his initial speeches, both during his inauguration and on the eve of Independence Day.

“Diomaye? I congratulate him in advance on assuming office. However, the Casamance issue is still pending. In his two speeches, he didn’t even mention it. Maybe it’s no longer a priority for them.”

With this observation, Djiba urges the new regime to “take responsibility because we expect them to.” He continues,

Djiba’s criticism reflects a sentiment of being overlooked and neglected in the region.

Despite his concerns, Djiba remains hopeful that the new leadership will prioritize the Casamance conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution. He urges the new leader to take responsibility and not follow the ways of his predecessors, emphasizing the importance of finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

With tensions simmering in the region, the spotlight is on how the new administration will address the longstanding issues in Casamance and work towards lasting peace.