Senegal agrees to uneasy peace with rebel faction

The Senegalese government has announced that it has signed a deal with the rebel faction, the Movement of Democratic forces of Casamance, in the hopes of finally ending  the decades-long conflict between them. 

As reported by The Associated press, Senegalese Prime minister Ousmane Sonko announced the agreement on February 24 while on a diplomatic visit to Guinea-Bissau 

The rebel group has been fighting for the independence of the Casamance region, located in the country’s south, since the early 1980’s.

The region, which is physically separated from the rest of Senegal by The Gambia, has always maintained a distinct cultural identity from the rest of the country.

A lack of infrastructure and investment from the Senegalese government has fuelled the independence movement, allowing it to grow in strength over the years.

However, there is optimism that this new peace deal will bring change. 

The deal offers pardons for certain rebel leaders, as well as a general  amnesty and a path to social reintegration for those who accept its terms, in the hope that it will create lasting peace in the region.

Despite the optimism surrounding the agreement, many analysts and political experts remain unconvinced that it will last.

The main concern is that only one of the minor factions of the rebel group has signed the deal, while two hardline factions have refused.

Rebel leader Sailif Sadio publicly criticized the agreement, stating that he believes the Senegalese government is not willing to” make the political or administrative concessions” needed for his faction to accept the peace deal.

Historically, previous attempts at diplomatic solutions have failed, and without full agreement from all rebel factions. There is little hope that this deal will succeed either. 

Nevertheless, whether this agreement ultimately succeeds or fails, it is still seen as a positive step towards ending one of the region’s longest-running conflicts.

The Associated Press