Senegal’s Head of State, President Macky Sall, jointly received the Initiative for the Reunification of the political and armed wings of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) and ex-combatants of the Diakay faction on Friday. The meeting took place in the department of Bignona, where the President saluted their “historic courage,” according to the Senegalese presidency.

The gathering followed the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement last May. President Sall praised the ex-combatants’ courage, emphasizing the necessary support for their reintegration into society.

In May 2023, at least 250 MFDC fighters laid down their arms during a ceremony in Mangone, a locality in the Bignona department that previously housed a significant base of the independence movement.

The governor of Ziguinchor, Guédj Diouf, described the ceremony as a golden moment in Senegal’s history, marking the culmination of nearly three years of negotiations between the Senegalese government and the MFDC. He highlighted the masterful handling of the negotiations with the utmost discretion by committed individuals striving for peace.

The meeting signifies a important step towards peace and reconciliation in Casamance, a region long affected by the conflict. The reintegration of ex-combatants and the reunification of political and armed factions are crucial for the region’s stability and development.

The successful negotiations and the laying down of arms by the MFDC fighters demonstrate the commitment of both the government and the rebel groups to find a peaceful resolution to the Casamance conflict. This development brings hope for lasting peace in the region.

The ceremony and President Sall’s reception of the MFDC and Diakay faction members underscore the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving long-standing conflicts and building a more peaceful and prosperous Senegal.