Background on the Casamance Conflict

Posted: 20 October 2006

The conflict in the Casamance region of Senegal has gone on for more than 20 years. Although it is relatively unknown outside of West Africa and is fairly low-level, it is the longest-running armed conflict in the region. The two sides--the separatist group MFDC (Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance) and the Senegalese government--are fighting over the question of independence for the Casamance region.

The fighting has impacted not only the people of Casamance but also the neighboring countries of Guinea-Bissau (to the south) and the Gambia (to the north). Since the conflict began, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people have been killed, and at least 60,000 have been displaced. Another 15,000 people have become refugees, crossing into Guinea-Bissau or the Gambia to escape the violence. More than 650 people so far have been killed or wounded by landmines and other unexploded ordnance, which are likely to plague the region long into the future.

There have been multiple cease-fires and peace agreements signed over the years, most recently in December of 2004. Unfortunately, recent outbreaks of fighting led by a faction of the MFDC have again resulted in civilian suffering and displacement.