Senegal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye Casamance Negotiations Continue Amid MFDC Crackdown

• Senegalese authorities recently evacuated the historical MFDC headquarters in Ziguinchor, arresting 26 individuals and seizing documents.
• This action underscores Dakar's firm "red line" against separatism, despite ongoing peace negotiations in Casamance.
• President Bassirou Diomaye Faye continues peace efforts through a committee led by Admiral Farba Sarr, but the process is hindered by MFDC fragmentation and budget concerns for the "Plan Diomaye."
• A self-proclaimed MFDC spokesperson, Hamidou Djiba, was previously arrested on charges including "conspiracy against state authority and territorial integrity" after declaring a "Republic of Casamance."
• While a current calm offers hope, challenges remain in demobilization and reintegration, with some fearing the peace is superficial and masks illicit activities.

The Senegalese government maintains an unyielding stance against any challenge to its territorial integrity, particularly regarding the Casamance region, making independence a non-negotiable point in any dialogue.

In a decisive move signaling Dakar's unwavering position against separatist movements, Senegalese gendarmerie, supported by the army, evacuated the historical headquarters of the Mouvement des forces démocratiques de Casamance (MFDC) in Mangoukouro, Ziguinchor, in late October. The operation, which occurred on October 26, involved the apprehension of 26 individuals, though most were released the same evening. The following day, authorities painted over slogans, emptied the premises, and seized numerous documents, which a gendarme indicated would be analyzed for future intelligence gathering.

This action was interpreted by a November 5, 2026, Jeune Afrique report as a clear reminder of the Senegalese government's "red line" concerning the Casamance conflict resolution. The incident followed the provisional release of Hamidou Djiba, a self-proclaimed spokesperson for an MFDC faction, who had been arrested in August 2025. Djiba faced serious charges, including "conspiracy against state authority and territorial integrity" and "participation in an insurrectional movement," stemming from a video in which he declared a "Republic of Casamance."

Despite these firm actions, the government continues to engage in Bassirou Diomaye Faye Casamance negotiations, though progress remains slow. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who assumed office in March 2024, has opted for continuity by retaining the ad hoc committee dedicated to Casamance. This committee, led by Admiral Farba Sarr, comprises approximately ten high-ranking military and intelligence officials tasked with discussions with the separatists.

The negotiation process is significantly hampered by the internal fragmentation of the MFDC, which is divided between its political and combatant wings, as well as various factions and dissident groups. While some progress has been noted, sources close to the discussions emphasize the extensive path ahead, warning that a failure to honor commitments could erode the trust of combatants. State commitments are intended to align with the "Plan Diomaye Casamance development," initiated in early 2025, yet this plan has drawn criticism from sources in Ziguinchor and Dakar for its "derisory budget," with one Casamançais opponent suggesting the current administration lacks the financial capacity to fulfill its pledges.

The Senegalese government maintains an unyielding stance against any challenge to its territorial integrity, particularly regarding the Casamance region, making independence a non-negotiable point in any dialogue. A source close to the negotiations, quoted by Jeune Afrique, articulated this position clearly: "Dakar has always held the same discourse: even if we had to go to Mars to negotiate, we would be willing to do so. But there is no question of talking about independence." This principle underpins the legal actions taken against individuals like Hamidou Djiba, reinforcing the state's authority.

This steadfast position on Senegal territorial integrity Casamance means that while the government is open to dialogue and peace initiatives, any rhetoric or action perceived as undermining national unity will be met with legal and security responses. The recent evacuation of the MFDC headquarters serves as a tangible demonstration of this resolve, even as efforts continue to foster a lasting peace in the region.

Mediator Henri Ndecky, who played a crucial role in facilitating the surrender of arms by the Diakaye branch—a group of approximately 250 combatants—acknowledges the challenges in the demobilization process. He notes that the responsiveness of the current administration is slower compared to the previous one, highlighting the complexities involved in reintegrating former combatants. For instance, Fatoma Coly, the commander of the Diakaye faction, has been unable to return to his village due to threats from former combatants, underscoring the delicate nature of post-conflict reintegration.

Despite these hurdles, Ndecky commends the state's progress in processing over 60,000 civil status files for Casamançais who lost their documentation during the conflict. This period of calm has generated hope among both the local population and combatants, suggesting that successful reintegration efforts could eventually lead to the conclusion of negotiations. However, other sources express concern that the current calm might be deceptive, potentially obscuring ongoing illicit trafficking that continues to plague the region, indicating that the path to a stable peace remains fraught with difficulties.

Lawyers advising clients in Senegal, particularly those with interests in the Casamance region, must be aware of the government's unwavering legal stance against any challenge to state authority or territorial integrity, as evidenced by the charges against MFDC members. They should monitor the legal frameworks emerging from the ongoing peace process, including any provisions for demobilization, reintegration, or potential amnesty, to assess risks and advise on compliance for clients operating in or engaging with entities in the region.

Source: Original reporting via Jeune Afrique