North Sindian-Casamance: 50 ha of Indian hemp fields valued at 2 billion destroyed by the Army

The Senegalese army carried out, according to a press release, a large-scale operation to destroy Indian hemp fields in the Djibidione area, in North Sindian, Bignona department. The operation destroyed 50 ha of fields. The equivalent value is estimated at 2 billion FCFA. The army thus aims to combat the criminal economy in this area formerly considered a red zone.

In North Sindian, this area considered a red zone during the conflict has housed, since October 7, 2024, an operation to destroy hemp fields. The cultivation of Indian hemp had deprived populations of their arable land during this period of population return. The final objective of the operation aims to return land to dispossessed populations in order to restart legal activities and the movement of people and goods. This operation is carried out by the commando battalion supported by elements of the 25th reconnaissance and support battalion. The villages of Dieye, Djiondji, Massaran, Balla Basséne and Niale, considered the epicenter of hemp cultivation, are freed from the influence of the criminal economy. An operation welcomed by the populations of these regions who received a visit on Friday October 11 from the commander of the Sindian zone. The Army is resolutely committed, we assure, to supporting the irreversible process of population return, but remains determined to stop the expansion of the criminal economy with devastating socio-economic and environmental consequences.

O.G.