On the sidelines of the Sédhiou meeting, Henry Ndecky, president of COSCPAC, looks back on the adventures of the armed independence conflict in Casamance, the return to peace although timid and the mechanisms of a definitive peace accompanied by substantial investments to best materialize this will between the State of Senegal and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC).
What is your assessment of the peace process in Casamance?
Today we live in a situation of neither peace nor war. It is relatively calm and we must provide adequate means to consolidate it. However, we must continue to establish broad communication to provide the right information, in an inclusive manner. COSCPAC allowed all stakeholders (STATE/MFDC) to meet several times, which resulted in the peace agreements with the signing and laying down of arms on May 23, 2023 in Mongone in Lower Casamance.
How can this laying down of arms help demobilize the rest of the rebel factions?
CIt’s a trigger that has spread like wildfire. A vast program for the reintegration of ex-combatants is expected, particularly with financial support, micro-projects in aquaculture and market gardening, which will most certainly arouse the desire of other factions to join the dynamic of peace that has been initiated. In addition, the populations will for their part put pressure on the resistance to abandon the war because more and more, voices are being raised to say that forty years of war is enough.
What are the difficulties and challenges you encounter in the field?
We encounter enormous difficulties but we believe that this is what gives meaning to our mission. The Diakaye area and the other factions are in very isolated areas. Getting there is difficult, especially during the winter but also in the districts of Nyassia and Niaguis. Furthermore, we COSCPAC, having the clearance of all civil society organizations to coordinate the dialogue between State and MFDC, have until now no contact with the new President of the Republic Bassirou Diomaye Faye even less his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as we have taken giant steps in this peace process in concert with the ad hoc committee which represents the State of Senegal.
As for the challenges, we strongly recommend supporting ex-Diakaye combatants so that others can be inspired by their patriotic commitment and lay down their arms.
Why do you think you are starting a flame for peace in Casamance?
It is first of all to mobilize all peace-loving actors, namely civil society organizations, ex-combatants, religious people, communicators, elected officials, socio-cultures, etc. It also means generating commitment from all stakeholders for a community dynamic towards definitive peace in Casamance. This flame will tour many localities to involve and sensitize all layers of the population to adhere to the ideal of peace and development. At the same time, we will plead with decision-makers to make massive investments in Casamance to support the initiatives and the stated desire of all to move towards serious negotiations and definitive peace in Casamance and stability in the West African sub-region.
COMMENTS COLLECTED BY MOUSSA DRAME
