Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The Senegalese Army Lieutenant-Doctor who had been held since the April 13, 2025, incidents in the Djignaky area of the Bignona department has been released, bringing significant relief to both military authorities and the broader public.

His release was granted unconditionally, and he was handed over to a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in The Gambia before he boarded a flight to Dakar, according to sources involved in the mediation.

Military officials confirmed that this outcome followed several rounds of discussions between negotiators and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. However, behind-the-scenes efforts also played a crucial role.

Although rarely highlighted publicly, traditional leaders and elders from villages and communities in the Foni region on the Gambian side were instrumental in facilitating dialogue.

Their involvement is said to have helped bridge communication between mediators, Senegalese military leadership, and the MFDC (Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance).

The MFDC, for its part, expressed deep gratitude to Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, the Khalife General of the Mourides. The group stated that his personal involvement was decisive in resolving the situation.

The movement also commended the contribution of former Interior Minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye, who was appointed as a key facilitator during the discussions. His mediation role was central to achieving the officer’s release on November 11.

In the aftermath of the handover, the MFDC announced that it had formally petitioned the President of the Republic to officially designate Ndiaye as facilitator for upcoming stages of dialogue. The group expressed hope that this step will accelerate efforts to resume negotiations aimed at securing lasting peace in Casamance.