Senegal: the independence conflict in Casamanza revives
The old independence conflict in the Senegalese region of Casamanza, the oldest of those still active in Africa, has resurfaced in recent weeks. It broke out in 1983, after the failed attempt to achieve the autonomy that some local leaders and chieftains had been claiming since the country gained independence from France in 1960.
Casamanza is south of Senegal between The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, neighbours who welcomed the rebels' claims and are still a refuge for exiles who flee whenever armed skirmishes resume. Casamanza had been part of the Portuguese colonial empire before the border agreement with France. They inherited the mixture of Creole language spoken in Guinea-Bissau from those years when they were part of it, as well as many names and surnames.
It is a rich region, although the conflict has continually slowed down its development, of prosperous agriculture and fish stocks, and with potential in barely exploited tourist attractions. Its beaches on the Atlantic are considered among the most beautiful in Africa, which is complemented by a very comfortable climate throughout the year.
Independence ambitions turned into an open conflict in 1982, 38 years ago, when young independence fighters raided the governor's residence and created the Movement of Democratic Forces (MFDC), which has since provoked terrorist acts and armed clashes that have left more than 3,000 dead.
It is a low-intensity war that remains dormant for some seasons and emerges again from time to time. The negotiations between the dissidents and the Senegalese government achieved some brief periods of truce, though they always ended up being broken off as a result of the stance of the independence fighters themselves. The MFDC's negotiating delegations were the non-violent independentistas living in the territory.
The violent ones, who end up imposing themselves and disowning the peaceful negotiators, form an armed wing, a small army of some 2,000 men who live hidden in the forests and are the ones who sow terror. They have the operational structure of the maquis and artillery, as evidenced by a cache of Iranian cannon intended for them that was discovered in Nigeria.
No European country and hardly any other separatist movements on the continent provide them with weapons or economic aid. But their resistance capacity is great and they show good preparation in open combat. In any event, most of their blows are terrorist attacks and mined roads on the poor roads, making it difficult for land-based communications that are so important for economic growth.
The relationship with the Dakar authorities has been erratic as a result of the political changes that have taken place in Senegal. The current government, headed by Macky Sall, has opted to increase investment in infrastructure with the aim of convincing the million inhabitants that their region is not abandoned, an argument that gives the MFDC sympathy.