The Community of Sant'Egidio has engaged for years in the peace negotiation between the government of Senegal and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance. For this reason, it expresses its deep concern about the armed conflict that is currently taking place in the northern part of Casamance.
After the clashes on January 24, specifically between the Senegalese soldiers who are affiliated with the West African regional mission ECOMIG and with the MFDC of Salif Sadio, Sant'Egidio intervened to stop the incidents and limit their consequences. Moreover, the Community managed to obtain the return of the fallen Senegalese soldiers’ bodies and the release of the seven Senegalese combatants who were imprisoned by the MFDC.
Sant'Egidio calls for an end to the current military operations of the Senegalese Army in order to safeguard the stability of the area involved and to keep the path of dialogue open. The Community also reiterates its full willingness to continue the negotiation process, because it is convinced that a definitive peace in Casamance will happen only through a reasonable negotiation.
Press release
