AFRICA/SENEGAL - “I hope this will mean lasting peace: the people have had enough of war” Bishop of Ziguinchor comments on announced Casamance peace agreement

Ziguinchor (Fides Service)- “I hope the agreement due to be signed on 30 December brings lasting peace to Casamance” said Bishop Maixent Coly of Ziguinchor, main city in this southern region of Senegal where the secessionist Casamance Democratic Forces Movement CDFM has fought for independence since 1982. The CDFM leader, Augustin Diamacoune Senghor has invited the people to attend the signing ceremony in Ziguinchor, on 30 December.
“I read about the peace agreement in the papers. I have had no official communication from the government” Bishop Coly told Fides. I express the feelings of the people of Senegal who have long desired this moment. Let’s hope the news is confirmed by the government”.
In effect the government of Senegal has said nothing with regard to the signing of a peace agreement. Although on 6 December, the President, Abdoulaye Wade , said he was willing to go to Casamance to sign a peace pact. In May 2003 during a meeting with Wade Diamacoune Senghor opened the path for peace when he told the President his movement was withdrawing its request for the region’s independence.
“There is already a cease fire agreement and the situation is calm. I have just returned from a visit to various parts of the region and I saw that it is safe and possible to move freely. Even tourists are returning to Casamance. These are positive signs that peace is about to be restored at last” the Bishop told Fides.
Since the Casamance secession war started in 1982, hundreds of people have been killed and thousands made homeless. The region is one of the most fertile in the country and the population, Muslims, Christians, Animists of varioius different ethnic groups. Before the fighting started the Casamance region was Senegal’s main tourist attraction. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2004 righe 31 parole 348)