The State of Senegal and the Provisional Committee of the Unified Political and Combat Wings of the MFDC Take a Major Step in the Casamance Peace Process

28.02.2025
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Bissau, February 22, 2025 – A delegation from the State of Senegal, represented by the Ad Hoc Committee for Peace in Casamance, and a delegation from the Provisional Committee of the Unified Political and Combat Wings of the MFDC met in Bissau on February 21 and 22, 2025. The meeting took place under the auspices of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, which serves as the guarantor of the process. The negotiations were facilitated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), which has supported the Casamance peace process since 2014.

From left to right: Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko, Mame-Khady Diouf, Head of HD’s Senegal Mission, and President Umaru Sissoco Embalò at the meeting on 21-22 February 2025.

This meeting builds on previous discussions between the State of Senegal and the faction led by César Atoute Badiate, which resulted in the signing of a Mutual Commitment Declaration on the Terms of Disarmament on August 4, 2022, in Bissau.

After two days of intense negotiations—focused primarily on security, justice, and political demands—the two delegations reaffirmed their commitment to achieving disarmament, with practical modalities yet to be determined.

The renewed commitment to peace, signed in the presence of President Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Prime Minister Sonko of Senegal, marks a significant step forward in the peace process. It underscores the priority that Senegal’s new leadership places on resolving the Casamance issue.

Context

The Casamance conflict, in a region geographically separated from the rest of Senegal by The Gambia, has been driven by political and economic marginalization. Dating back to the 1980s, it remains the longest unresolved conflict on the African continent.

Since 2014, HD has worked with all parties to the conflict and key stakeholders to create inclusive and legitimate negotiation spaces between the State of Senegal and the MFDC. These efforts led to the signing of Act III of a peace agreement between the State of Senegal and the Diakaye faction on May 13, 2023. This agreement resulted in disarmament and a reintegration program for former combatants.

HD is also mediating negotiations between the fronts led by General César Atoute Badiate, a historic leader of the Movement, and the State of Senegal. HD’s efforts in Senegal are supported by the European Union.