SENEGAL/GUINEA-BISSAU: PEACE AGREEMENT IN CASAMANSA

A surprise peace agreement has been signed between Casamansa Independence movement rebels and the Senegalese government, putting an end to the claims for independence of this oil-rich territory between Senegal and the former Portuguese colony of Guinea Bissau. The capital of the Casamansa region, Ziguinchor, was the stage for this historic agreement which could put an end to the instability felt in the region for the last eighteen years. Catholic priest, Father Augustin Diamacoune of The Democratic Movement of Casamansa Forces and the Senegalese government, represented by General Mamadou Niang, signed the treaty, which guaranteed “The consolidation of the ceasefire, the free circulation of people and goods and the release of prisoners”. The region of Casamansa recently provoked a civil war in Guinea-Bissau. With this declaration of peace, maybe this area of Western Africa can now stabilise and live in peace.

TIMOTHY BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.RU LISBON