white paper for a sustainable peace in casamance€¦ · together for an inclusive and transparent...

White Paper for a Sustainable Peace in

Casamance

Perspectives from Women and Local Populations

August 2019

Content

3. Acronyms & Abbreviations

4. Acknowledgements

5. Foreword

7. Cry For Action Of The Women Of Casamance!

8. Preface

9. Introduction

9. Context

11.Historicalbackgroundoftheconflictandthepeaceprocess

13. The Conflict’s Impacts On Local Populations, Women And Youth

13. Socioeconomicandenvironmentalimpacts

15.Casamancepopulations’perceptionsandfeelingsofexclusion

17.Theconflict’sspecificimpactsonwomen

18.Apermanentinsecurity

19. Strategies And Perspectives From Civil Society

20.Civilsocietyactors

21.Addressingchallengesandestablishingpeace

23.Actionsandapproaches

25.Conditionsforeffectiveandinclusiveparticipation

26. Women’s participation in peace processes

26.ThemediationroleofwomenofCasamance

27.LaPlateformedesFemmespourlaPaixenCasamance(PFPC)

28. Senegambia Forum

29.Breakingdownbarriersandstrengtheningsupportacrosswomen

throughout Senegal

30. Recommendations for a definitive & sustainable peace in Casamance

34. Bibliography

35. Annexes

49. Endnotes

3Acronyms & Abbreviations

Acronyms & Abbreviations

AFUDES AssociationofUnitedBrothersfortheEconomicandSocialDevelopmentoftheFogny

ASC SportsandCulturalAssociation

AJAEDO Association des Jeunes Agriculteurs et Éleveurs du Département d'Oussouye

AJWS AmericanJewishWorldService(NGO)

ANRAC Agence nationale pour la Relance des Activités économiques en Casamance

ANSD Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie

ASAPID Association d’appui aux Initiatives de paix et de développement

CADP Comité d’Action pour le Développement de la zone des Palmiers et des Narans

ECOWAS EconomicCommunityofWestAfricanStates

CGP Peace Management Committee

COPI Construirelapaixparledéveloppementéconomique&social(NGO)

CRS Catholic Relief Services

CU ConcernUniversal(NGO)

DER RapidEntrepreneurshipDepartment

DPC DynamicofPeaceinCasamance

FAS FemmesAfricaSolidarité(NGO)

FDS DefenseandSecurityForces

GIE/EIG EconomicInterestGroup

GMP Grandmother’sProject

GPF Women’sPromotionGroup

GRPC Groupe de Recherche pour la Paix en Casamance

MARP AcceleratedParticipatoryResearchMethod

MFDC Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance

MJPI Youth Movement for Peace and Integration

CBO Community-basedOrganization

NGO Non-governmentalOrganization

PFPC La Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance

PROCAS Programme Appui au Développement Socio-économique pour la Paix en Casamance

PTF/TFP Technical and Financial Partner

PUDC EmergencyCommunityDevelopmentProgram

RADDHO Rencontre Africaine pour les Droits de l’Homme

REFEC Réseau de la Fédération des femmes de l’Espace Communautaire

RN Nationaltrunkroad

CS Civilsociety

SENELEC SenegalesePowerCompany

SWOT Strengths,Weaknesses,Opportunities,Threats

USA United States of America

4Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements We would like to extend our wholehearted thanks to the member organizations of the Consortium for the implementation of the Unaam Kayraay Projecti, with a special mention to the Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (Women’s Platform for Peace in Casamance) that has coordinated the drafting of this White Paper, notably its president, Mrs. Ndèye Marie THIAM and the Project Manager, Jimmy Albert SAGNA. We also would like to offer our warmest thanks to Partners West Africa-Senegal (PWA-S) and its Executive Director Pr. Adjaratou Wakha Aidara NDIAYE and the Program Manager, Saidou KEBE; TOSTAN, especially Vivien MANEL, Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, and Project Manager Mamoudou NDIAYE; PartnersGlobal through its Sub-Sahara Africa Program, notably Mrs. Kate RAVIN, Program Manager and Chief of Party of the Unaam Kayraay Project, and the Director, Dr. Solange Bandiaky BADJI. All members of the Consortium have contributed to the elaboration of this Paper.

We also would like to extend our gratitude to all Technical and Financial Partners that are supporting PFPC in its multiple interventions for peace in Casamance, and all those who have contributed to the drafting of this Paper. May they find here a sincere expression of our profound gratitude.

We are very gracious to all the institutions, resource persons and people of goodwill who have participated in the collection of data and reflections, and contributed to the drafting of this Paper, especially: Consultant Abdoulaye DIALLO who has assisted PFPC in emerging from the unknown; Ms. Oumou Khairy Sall DIOUF, Pedagogical advisor, Ms. Fatou Cisse DIEDHIOU, School inspector; Dr. Rosnert Ludovic ALISSOUTINE, Consultant and lecturer at Gaston Berger University; and the Women and Youth Working Group for Peace and Security in West Africa and in the Sahel. Our warmest thanks also go to Ms. Wore Ndiaye KANDJI for her noteworthy input, and our profound gratitude to Ms. Binta DIOP, founder of the Femme Africa Solidarité NGO, Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for women, peace and security.

PFPC extends its warm thanks to all the resource persons, observers of the conflict and civil society organizations that have actively and collectively participated in this work. We hail their multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral contributions.

A special thank goes to Consultant Anne Mendy CORREA who, with her stellar writing skills, has drafted the general report of the White Paper, as per PFPC directives, and Dr. Solange Bandiaky BADJI for proofreading the said report and editing it for the production of the current version of the White Paper.

We would also like to pay a vibrant tribute to all the brave women of Casamance, to all civil society organizations that have always mobilized, from the outbreak of the conflict to date, to restore social cohesion in a region struck and affected by over thirty years of latent war, and who are resolutely active in accompanying the peace process in Casamance.

5Foreword

Foreword ThedraftingofthisWhitePaperfitsintotheimplementationoftheUnaam Kayraay Project.Thetwo-yearproject(2018-2020)hasbeenimplementedbyaConsortiumcomposedofPartnersGlobal ii, Tostaniii,PartnersWestAfricaSenegal(PWA-S)iv, and thePlateformedesFemmespourlaPaixenCasamance(PFPC)v.Theproject’smainobjectiveistoengagecivilsocietyorganizations,notablywomen’sassociations,ineffortsforthedefinitivereturnofpeaceinCasamancethroughdialogueandthemobilizationofallstakeholders.

TheWhitePaperonthepeacesituationinCasamancewasdraftedintheaftermathofpublicconsultationsheldinCasamance,mainlyinthenine(9)departmentsoftheregionsofKolda,SedhiouandZiguinchor(implementedbyPFPC);andbasedontherecommendationsstemmingfromdialogueswithwomen(PWA-S);anddialoguesonpeaceandsecuritywithcross-bordervillagecommunitiesandintercommunitycross-borderconflictsinSenegal,theGambiaandGuinea-Bissau(Tostan).Allthesedialoguesandconsultationsatgrassrootslevelhavemadeitpossibletotakestockofthesituationontheground,notablywithregardstothechallengesandimpactsoftheconflictonthelocalpopulations,especiallyonwomen;butalsotocollectlocalpopulations’perceptions,opinionsandrecommendationsforthedefinitiveresolutionoftheconflictandthesustainabledevelopmentoftheirlands.Ithighlightstherecommendationsofcivilsocietyandwomenforadefinitiveandsustainablepeace in Casamance.

TheWhitePaperisneitheranacademicdocument,noranactofpoliticalpositioningregardingtheconflict.Itisratheranadvocacypaper,aheartfeltappealfromthewomenofCasamanceandtheotherregionsofSenegal,withthesupportoftheirsistersfromtheGambiaandGuinea-Bissau.ItisalsoacallforactiontotheGovernmentofSenegalandtheMovementofDemocraticForcesofCasamance(MFDC)withtheviewtorestoringpeaceinCasamance,ontheonehand;butalsotocivilsocietyactorsandwomen’sassociationstohelpthepopulationoftheregion,particularlywomen,toovercomethechallengescausedbytheconflictandadvocatetogetherforaninclusiveandtransparentdialogueinthequestforpeace.

Thus,theWhitePaperurgesallstakeholderstocometogetherforadefinitiveandsustainablepeaceinCasamance.Theconflictinthisregionisanationalandregional

concernthatrequiresthemobilizationofvariousactorsatdifferentlevelswhocancontributetopeacekeepingandstabilityinSenegal,theGambiaandGuinea-Bissau,andinthesub-regionasthewhole.AspecialcallislaunchedtotheGovernmentofSenegalandtoMFDCforinclusivenegotiationsthattakeintoaccounttheaspirationsandinterestsoflocalpopulationsinpeaceagreements.Localpopulationsarestronglydemandingtheresumptionofpeacetalksforthedefinitiveresolutionoftheconflict in Casamance.

Consortium membersPFPC, PWA-S, Tostan, and PartnersGlobal

6Cry for action from the women of Casamance!

Cry for action from the women of Casamance!

Ourheartfeltthoughtsgotoallthosewhohavediedinthisconflict.Wewouldliketoextendourdeepaffectiontoallthepeopleaffectedbythispainfulconflict:orphans,widows,landminevictims,refugees,displacedpersons,exiles,andallthosethatarestilllivingtheeffectsofthetraumacausedbythisprotractedconflict.

Thepublicconsultationsprovidedtheoccasiontocommunities-particularlytothewoman,themother,thesister,thespouse,theneighbor,orsimplytherelative-tospeakoutontheirexperiencesduringthisconflictandtorealize,bylisteningtotheirsisters,brothersandfriends,thecomplexityofthissituationthathasoriginatedfromalackofcommunication,inthemajority’sopinion.

Nobodyisaccused,orsingledout,butpeople’swearinessandperceptionsshouldforceustolookwithintoassessourresponsibilityinthestrife.

Thus,bytranscendingouregos,letushavethecouragetopayattentiontothesepeoplethat,foralongtimeandforalackofaforuminwhichtovoicethespeakableandtheunspeakable,havehadtorepresstheirrageandsufferinsilence.

Thereupon,wedohopethatthissharingwillculminateintostrongandbolddecisionsforthedefinitiveresolutionofthisconflict,consideredasthe“longestinAfrica”,andforthesustainabledevelopmentoftheregionofCasamance.

Forthatreason,itistheentirepopulationofCasamance,particularlywomen,thatisexpressingtoyou,stakeholdersandprotagonistsinthisstrife,communities’experienceswithandperceptionsoftheconflict’sadverseeffectsonthelocalpopulationonthewhole;andsharesitsvisionofaCasamanceinneedofdevelopment,withtheinvolvementofallactors.

Throughyouractsanddecisions,youwillmakeitpossible,inafuturethatwehopeverynear,forus,andmainlyfortheyouthbornduringthisperiod,to(re)discoverthisgreen,peacefulandprosperousregionofCasamancetheyhavelongheardofandrebuild it.

La Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (PFPC)

7Preface

Preface PartnersGlobalispleasedtopresentthisWhitePaper,togetherwithourcolleaguesfrom the La Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (PFPC)vi,PartnersWestAfricaSenegal(PWA-S),representingourjointreflectionsontheconflictintheregionofCasamanceinSenegal,andrecommendationsforsustainablepeace.

Thesereflectionsrepresentthehard-earnedcollectivevoiceoflocalcommunities,community-basedorganizations,women’sgroups,andcivilsocietyorganizations.PFPC,women’sgroupsfromotherregionsinSenegal,andtheWomen’sForum,forthefirsttimecametogetherfromSenegal,TheGambia,andGuinea-BissautojoineffortstoadvocateforpoliciesandresourcesneededtoachievepeaceinCasamance.Theseorganizationsareledbywomen,representingtheoften-marginalizedvoicesofwomenandyouthwhoaremostaffectedbyviolenceandinstabilityonthegroundinCasamance.Theyhavehadfirst-handexperienceoftheconflictfordecadesinallthreecountriesSenegal,TheGambiaandGuinea-Bissau.Yet,thesegroupshaveneverformallyworkedtogetheronapeacebuildingeffortbeforenow.Asaconsortium,wehaveovercomemanychallengestoformulateajointproposalandadvocacycampaigntohighlighttheimportanceofpeaceinCasamance.Therefore,women’svoicesdeservetobeheardandtheirperspectivesincorporatedintoimprovedpoliciesthatcanbeimplementedattheregional,nationalandlocallevelstoachievelastingpeace.

WhiletheimportantroleofwomeninformalpeacenegotiationsisgainingattentiongloballyandismandatedbyUNResolution1325,PartnersGlobaliscommittedtoensuringthatthelegitimateleadershipandgrassrootsorganizingofwomenatthecommunitylevelisalsorecognizedandsupported.ThefollowingWhitePaperhighlightstheneedforrenewedattentionandinvestmenttocontinuetoaddressthechangingnatureoftheconflict(s)experiencedbywomenandyoungpeople.Becauseofthelackofstabilityandeconomicdevelopmentintheregion,thesecommunitieshavebeenfacingcomplexissuesofcross-bordertrafficking,displacementandlanddisputesamongstmanyothersdescribedbelow.Nooneunderstandsthenatureoftheseconflictsbetterthanthepopulationsthatcontributedtothisdocument.

Iencourageyoutojoinforceswiththebravewomenwhoareorganizingandleadingchangeintheirvillagesandcross-bordercommunitiesinthethreecountries.Raiseyourvoicewiththeirstoensurethatneededsupportcontinuestoflowtothisregiontobolsterthefragilepeace.PartnersGlobalunderstandsthepowerofworkinginauthenticpartnershipwithlocalandglobalpeacebuildingefforts,andwebelievethatthewomenandyouthleadersintheCasamancearepoisedtobringaboutlasting,peacefulchangeifthosepartnershipscontinueandareexpanded.Wehopeyouwilljoinus.

Julia RoigPresidentPartnersGlobal

8Introduction

Introduction

Contexte

EventhoughSenegalisviewedasastableanddemocraticcountryintheinsecurity-rifeWestAfricancontext,thecountryhasbeenentangledinoneofthelongestconflictsinSub-SaharanAfrica,notablyinCasamancevii.Thepopulationsofthisregionhave,since1982,beenheldhostageinanongoingconflictbetweenSenegalesearmedforcesandtheMovementofDemocraticForcesofCasamance(MFDC).Thisconflict,whichhascontinuedforthreedecades,nowmanifestsitselfbymomentsofsporadicrespitesandintensetensionsthatchallengenationalandinternationalpublicopinion.ThisconflictstillexertsadverseimpactsonthepopulationsofCasamance,theGambiaandGuinea-Bissau,particularlythoselivingincross-borderareas;andonthepoliticalandeconomicsituationinSenegal,andinthesub-regionatlarge.Inadditiontothearmedaspectoftheconflict,othertypesofconflictsareemergingandintensifyingatcommunity-level,regardingtheuseofthelandandnaturalresources,inter-communityconflicts,humanandtimbertrafficking,etc.

TheconflictinCasamanceismultidimensionalandhaspolitical,military,religious,socialandculturaleffects;andfeaturestheinvolvementofmanyactors.EveryPresidentoftheRepublicofSenegal,fromAbdouDIOUFtoMackySALL,throughAbdoulayeWADE,hasattemptedtoendthisconflictindifferentways,eitherbymakingitanationalpriorityviii;orthroughstrategiesofsuppression,armedattacks,thesigningofpeaceagreements,anddetentionsandliberationsofprisoners,amongothers.ThePresidentsoftheGambiaandGuinea-Bissauhavealsobeeninvolvedthroughouttheprocess,asmediatorsbetweentheGovernmentofSenegalandMFDCandduringnegotiationsforceasefireagreements.ThepoliticalcontextinbothcountrieshasbothpositivelyandnegativelyimpactedthepeacebuildingprocessinCasamance.TheinvolvementofFatherDiamacoune(apriest)asMFDCleaderfromtheoutbreakoftheconflictbroughtareligiouscharacter,withtheparticipationoftheclergy.Non-governmentalorganizationsandinternationalbodies,throughbilateralandmultilateralcooperation,haveestablishedmanyprogramsandindiversesectorstoassistlocalpopulationsandcontributetotheresolutionoftheconflict.

Fromthepublicconsultations,dialoguesandinterviewswithlocalpopulations,communityleaders,womenandtheyouth,asharedwillpowertoreachadefinitivepeaceinCasamancethroughinclusivenegotiationshassprungforth.

ThecontentofthisWhitePaperisbasedontheresultsofthepublicconsultationsheldinthethreeregionsofKolda,SedhiouandZiguinchorvis-a-vislocalpopulations’experiencesandperceptionsoftheconflict;interviewswithresourcepersonsand/oractorsinvolvedintheconflictmanagement/resolutionprocess;surveysconductedinthecommunities;andmulti-actordialoguesincross-borderareasofSenegal,theGambiaandGuinea-Bissau.Thismethodologyandinclusiveapproachhavemadeitpossibletohighlightthelocalrealities,aswellasthenationalandsub-regionaldimensionsoftheconflict.

9Introduction

Thesevariousconsultations,throughfocusgroups(withmenandwomen),mixedplenarysessions/assemblies,andvalidationworkshopsineachdepartmenthavemadeitpossibleto:

•Takestockoftheconflictontheground;•Identifytheeconomic,social,environmentalandpoliticalchallengesrelatedtotheconflict;•Recordthereal-lifeexperiencesofmen,womenandyouth;•Documentcasesofgender-basedviolence;•Performamappingofstakeholdersinvolvedintheresolutionoftheconflict;•Highlighttheparticipationofcivilsocietyactorsintheconflictresolutionprocess,andwomen’sroleinpeacebuilding;and•Presentconflictresolutionoptions/opportunitiesandmajorrecommendationsforadefinitiveandsustainablepeaceinCasamance.

ThedefinitiveresolutionoftheconflictinCasamanceisaprerequisiteforstability,socialpeaceandsustainabledevelopmentintheregion,inSenegalandinthesub-regionatlarge,especiallyintheGambiaandGuinea-Bissau.

Carte de la Casamance

10Historical background of the conflict and the peace process

Historical background of the conflict and the peace process

TheoriginoftheconflictinCasamanceiscomplexandmultiform.Yet,theunforgettablerepressionofthedemonstrationon26December1982isstillcitedasakeyhistoricalmomentandoneoftherebellion’striggers.ThecondemnationofMFDCleaderson13December1983,whichthenledtotheformationoftheMFDC’smilitarywing,commonlyknownasATIKA,thatsameyear,aswellasthebeginningofMFDCarmedattacks.Variouspolitical,economic,socialandculturalfactorshavefueledtheconflict,exertingadverseimpactsonthepeaceprocess.(ThetableinAnnex1givesasummaryofthebackgroundoftheconflict,thepeaceprocessandtheinterventionofcivilsocietytherein).Consideringthemagnitudeoftheconflict,politicalleadersthenbecameawareoftheneedtoembarkonaprocessofdialogueandpeace.Thus,thefirstCeasefireAgreementbetweentheMFDCandtheGovernmentofSenegalwassignedon29March 1991 in Toubacoutaix.However,despiteothersubsequentpeaceagreements(seeAnnexes),adefinitiveresolutionoftheconflicthasyettobeachieved.EventhoughtheinvolvementofpoliticalandreligiousleadersandtheliberationofMFDCdetaineesxhavehelpedbrokertheseagreements,variousfactorsjeopardizedtheirfullapplicationandsuccess:condemnationsandimprisonmentsofMFDCleaders,lossesofhumanlife(military xi,MFDCmembersandlocalpopulations),politicalinstabilityintheGambiaandGuinea-Bissau,theconsolidationoftherebelmovementasanarmedforce,splinteringoftheMFDCwiththecreationofvariousfactions,theradicalizationoftheseparatistmovementforanindependentCasamancefromSenegal,armstrafficking,etc.

AlthoughthecrisisinCasamanceisgenerallyperceivedasaconflictbetweentheGovernmentofSenegalandMFDC,thepopulationsofCasamance,particularlywomenandchildren,havealwaysborneitsbrunt.In1997,theappearanceoflandmineswreakedhavocinvillages.In1998,thearmymassacred30villagersinDjifangor.ClashesbetweenthemilitaryandMFDCragedinthevillages,leavingbehindwidows,orphansandfemaleheadsofhouseholdsintheirwake.Inaddition,womenwerevictimizedbyrapesandotherformsofaggression.

Allthesenegativeimpactsoftheconflictonthelocalpopulation,andonwomenandchildreninparticular,pushedcivilsocietytomobilizein1998,withthefirstworkshopstagedbytheNationalCivilSocietyConsortium(CONGAD)xii in Ziguinchor. In 1999, theregionalsolidaritycommitteeofwomenforpeaceinCasamance(USOFORAL)wasfounded.Thus,thesestructuresenabledcivilsociety,includingUSOFORAL,totakepartinconflictresolutiondialogues,notablyaseriesofmeetingsinBanjulbegunin1999.Inthewakeoftheupsurgeofviolenceagainstciviliansin2008,civilsocietystagedademonstrationin2009tocallfornon-violenceandtheresumptionofnegotiationsbetweentheMFDCandtheGovernmentofSenegal.

Theconflict’sviolencereacheditsclimaxbetween2006and2011,andwasmarkedbyfrequentmilitaryinterventions,arrestsofMFDCleaders,rivalriesamongMFDCfactionsfollowingthedemiseofFatherDiamacoune,theupsurgeofviolenceagainstcivilians,thestartofthehostage-takingpolicybyMFDC,armstrafficking,etc.Furthermore,thespreadoftheconflictuptotheoutskirtsofZiguinchor–resultinginover1,000peoplebeingdisplacedfromtheirvillagestothecity–aswellastheresurgenceofbanditryontheTrans-Gambiaroad,andthemilitarycoupin2009inGuinea-Bissauhaveincreasedinsecuritiesincross-borderareas.

11Historical background of the conflict and the peace process

Withthisintensificationoftheconflict,thewomenofCasamanceunderstoodtheneedtoreorganizeinordertofacethesemulti-facetedchallenges.Assuch,women’sassociationsinCasamanceworkingfortheresolutionoftheconflictandthereturnofpeacedecidedtojointheirforcesforcollectiveaction,culminatinginthecreationoftheLa Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (PFPC)xi.TheideaforPFPCwasbornfromanawarenessoftheneedtogroupandunitethevariouswomen’sassociationsinCasamanceinordertoamplifywomen’svoicesinthepeacebuildingprocess.WomeninCasamancehavealsoseizedpoliticalopportunitiestodevelopadvocacystrategiesinthepeacebuildingprocessandenhancetheirsolidarityandunity.Furthermore,thenormalizingofthepoliticalsituationinGuinea-Bissau,andthefallofPresidentYayaJammehandthedemocratictransitionintheGambia,providedwomenwithadditionalopportunitiestopressformorecollaborationatsub-regionallevel.In2017,theWomen’sForumforSenegal–theGambia–Guinea-Bissau(hereaftercalledthe“Women’sForum”)cameintobeing.

ItwasagainstthisbackdropthattheUnaam Kayraay Projectwasinitiated,withtheobjectivesto strengthen this collective action and form national, regional and international coalitions forpeaceinCasamance.

ItisthroughholdingpublicconsultationsinthecitiesofKolda,SedhiouandZiguinchor;dialoguesinSenegal,theGambiaandGuinea-Bissau;village-levelsurveys;andtheestablishmentofpeacecommitteesincross-borderareas,thattheConsortiumofimplementingpartners,principallyPFPC,wasabletodraftthisWhitePaper.

TheWhitePaperreflectsthelocalrealitiesandmajorchallengesengenderedbytheconflictforlocalpopulations(men,women,youth,andchildren)ofCasamanceandcross-borderareaswiththeGambiaandGuinea-Bissau;andontheenvironment,theeconomy,andthesocioculturalcontext.Italsoshinesalightontheperspectivesofcivilsocietyandwomenforadefinitiveresolutionoftheconflictandputsforthtargetedrecommendationscollectedfromgrassrootsactorsandstakeholdersinthepeaceprocess.

12The Conflict’s Impacts On Local Populations, Women And Youth

The Conflict’s Impacts On Local Populations, Women And Youth

Socioeconomic and environmental impacts

a. A precarious socioeconomic situation at local level Anarearichandabundantinnaturalresources,andofferingmanyeconomicopportunitiesowingtoitsgeographiclocation,theregionofCasamanceismarkedbyaseriouslackofsocioeconomicinfrastructure.Localpopulationsfacedifficultiesin accessing basic services and health care, not to mention the isolation that certain areasfaceduetothedilapidatedstateofbridgesandothercommunicationsfacilities.Forexample,asurgeryunitinBignonathatwasbuiltandequippedhasn’tbeenoperationalforoveradecadenow.

b. Cattle rustlingCattletheftisarecurrentphenomenon,mainlyincross-borderareas.Itpresentsamajorchallengeforherderswhoarevictimsofrepeatedviolencerelatedtotheircattle.Thewifeofalivestockherderrecountedinstancesofviolence:“With the ropes they use to fetch water from the trough, some young shepherds have been tied around palm trees and my husband was killed over his cattle.” Duringthepublicconsultations,manycasesofsuicidewerereportedamongcattleherdersfollowingthelossoftheirherds.Thesechallengeshavefosteredfeelingsofangeranddiscontentamongpastoralpopulations,whoviewthemselvesastargetsinthegeneralcontextoftheconflict.

c. Cross-border crime and trafficking Asaresultoftheirgeographiclocation,villageslocatedneartheborderwiththeGambiaandGuinea-Bissauaremoreexposedtoinsecurity,therebyfacingmultiplechallenges.ThemostexposedareasaretheNorth-EasternpartofOulampagneandMedinaYoroFoulahneartheGambianborder,andtheDjibanarareaaroundtheBissau-Guineanborder.Notonlyarethesevillagesveryisolated,theyarealsoneglectedofpropersocioeconomicandcommunicationsinfrastructure(e.g.roads,trails,connectivity)andhealthandeducationstructures,allofwhichcreateafeelingofabandonment.Cross-bordercrimeisontherise,withcattlerustling,woodandhumantrafficking,thelootingofnaturalresources,anddrugsmugglingasexamples.Insecurityisalsorifeintheareasclosetomainroads.

d. Land conflicts, displacements and migration TheCasamanceconflictandensuinginsecurityhaveledtotheinternaldisplacementoffamiliestoothervillages.Whilesomepeoplefleefromtheirvillagesandabandontheirfieldsforsecurityreasons;others,afteraperiodofcalm,returntotheirhomes,onlytofindthemoccupiedbystrangers.Someareobligedtorentplotsoflandtogrowcropsandprovidefortheirneeds,astheycannotreturntotheirland.

• “In Kanampar, our houses have been set aflame, leaving us with no food, clothes or cattle. Currently, we are still in Goudomp, and we are obliged to rent land to work and earn something to live on, as we cannot yet return back to our village.”

Thesedisplacementsandmigrationsaresourcesoflanddisputesbetweenindigenouscommunitiesandimmigrantsoverhousingandtheoccupationoffields.Theselanddisputescantriggermanynewtypesofinter-villageconflictsthatworsenthesituationofcrisis,creatingresentmentsandfuelingactsofrevenge.Giventheirescalatingnumbersincommunities,thesedisputesdeservespecialattention.


e. Out-of-school and idle youth

Schooldropoutsand/ordelayedaccesstoeducationforchildrenandyouthduetodisplacementsand/orthedegradationofschoolfacilitieshavebeennoted;theproductionandconsumptionofcannabisamongyoungpeopleisalsoontherise.Moreandmore,youngpeopleareleavingtheirvillagesandflockingtobigcities,mainlythecapitalcity,Dakar.

Theaboveissuesfacingyouthremainastopicalastheydidattheonsetoftheconflict:“Thus, the laudable aim to raise the level of education among the youth of Casamance encounters an obstacle: the lack of job opportunities in the region. In the absence of real development, and job creation prospects, will the youth of Casamance follow the footsteps of their elders and converge in Dakar, where the bulk of the investments in Senegal are concentrated?” (Memorandum of the delegation of senior executivesofCasamance,1984).

Thislackofeconomicopportunitiesfactorsintoradicalizationofyouthaspotentialrecruits for an armed rebellion.


Withallthesechallenges,thepopulationsofCasamanceconsiderthemselvesasoutcastswhoarenottakenintoaccountintheGovernment’spriorities.Womenandyouthlikewisesharethisperceptionandfrustration.“Do we belong to Senegal?” ThisfeelingofexclusionwasmentionedonseveraloccasionsduringthepublicconsultationsinBignonaandVelingara.Assuch,itdeservestheGovernment’sattention,beinganaggravatingfactorofthecurrentconflict.Theseperceptionscanworsenthesituationandtriggermanyothertypesofconflict,whicharethemselvestheseedsofimpedimentstopeace,ifnotofanupsurgeofviolence.Thefactorscontributingtothefeelingsofexclusionandmarginalizationaresummedupasfollows(commentsandperceptionscollectedduringtheconsultationsinthedepartments):

• Low rates of recruitment by the military and low access to employment opportunities: ManyyouthpeopleinCasamancefeelthattheyarediscriminatedagainstduringrecruitmentformilitaryservice,andforjobs.

• Inadequate investments and infrastructure: Comments collected during consultations:“It is the Government that adds fuel to fire by not being fair and equitable. Why elsewhere and not here? Casamance receives nothing from what is given elsewhere. Investments and infrastructure projects are diverted under the pretext of the conflict and the armed rebellion.”

• Lang grabs by non-natives of Casamance: Theallocationoflandto“foreigners”tothedetrimentofnativesisadverselyperceivedbylocalpopulations,viewingitasan “imposed decision of the authorities at the highest level; through the land law on the state-owned land (loi sur le domaine national)” and in total contradiction of Act 3 of Decentralization.

• Land conflicts and disputes: Landmanagementissuessparkconflictsinvariousforms,beingcausedby,interalia,theavailabilityoflandandfavorableweatherconditions,bothofwhichattracttheinterestof“foreign”populationsseekingeasyaccesstoagriculturalland.Asanillustration,somepeoplespokeofanopenconflictinCasamanceandamini-warinMedina Yoro Foulah, from 1990 to 2000. Instances of landconflictshavealsobeenobservedinmanycommunities,notablyinthePakour.

• Orientation of high school graduates from Casamance to virtual universities: Themajorityofhigh-schoolgraduatesfromCasamancearescammedintoattendingvirtualuniversities,withoutprior,sufficientcomputertraining.However,thisaproblemthroughoutallofSenegal.

• Violations of sacred forests: LocalpopulationsareoutragedbycasesofviolationsofthesacredforestsbyboththeArmyandtheMFDC.Theprofaningofplaceofworshipandspiritualityonlyfuelsangerandthecontempttowardstheactorsintheconflict,andCasamancepeople’sperceptionthattheirpeopleandbeliefsaredisrespected.

Casamance populations’ perceptions and feelings of exclusion


• Ambiguous position of the Government: PerceptionslinkedtotheambiguouspositionoftheGovernment,inadditiontoits“notdeliveringonitspromises”,arethattheGovernmentdoesnotalwaysplayaroleintheequitableredistributionofresources;imagesonTVofother,more“prosperous”areasinthecountryinfluencethisperception.TheGovernmenteventendstolimititsprograms,ortodirectitsprioritiestootherlocalities.Successiveadministrationshavenotmanagedtobuildonpreviousgainsandopportunities,creatingalackofcontinuity,disruptionsandinconsistentmanagementoftheCasamanceissue.Assuch,localpopulationshavetheimpressionthatthereisa“DivideandConquer”or“Delaying”policythatisusedtoderailtheprocess.


Asunderlinedinthestrategicdocumentonwomen’svoicesinpeacebuildinginCasamancefromJune2014,“InCasamance,womenhavesufferedfromtheconflictatthreelevels:first,theyhavebeenvictimsofthesameviolationsasthosesufferedbymen(kidnappings,imprisonment,torture,executions);second,theyhavesufferedseriousassaultsbasedontheirstatusaswomen (rapes, harassments, humiliations, forced abortions, etc.); and lastly, they represent the majority of “indirect” victims as mothers, spouses, daughters or relatives of detained, murdered or missing men”,page8.Inmanyvillages,womenhavebecomeheadsofhouseholds,beingobligedtoprovidefortheneedsoftheirfamiliesastheirhusbandshaveeitherbeenkilledorjoinedthearmedrebellionorexiledtoneighboringcountriesorabroad.BoththeMFDCandmilitaryhavecommittedexactionsandactsofviolenceagainstthepopulations,mainlywomen.Thefollowingtestimonieswerecollectedduringpublicconsultations:

Sexual, physical and emotional violence

Constrained access to livelihoods

a)“When they heard that I had been appointed as the treasurer of the peace committee, they came to ask for the money. When I affirmed having no money, they turned my house upside down and whatever was useful was taken away (new clothes, a few belongings and even the supplies that my husband had just bought for the children’ academic year). Then, at gunpoint, they took me to the health hut and got hold of the FCFA 175,000 then available in the cashbox;”

b)“With the insecurity rife in the area, 2 young girls were raped on the way from Koussy 1 School to Koussy 2 School.” Casesofsexualviolence/aggressionagainstwomenandgirlsarenumerousandneedtobedocumentedandquantified,withaccompanyingmeasuresand remedial actions.

c)Themajorityoffarmproductionzones(paddyfields,growingfields)and/ornon-timberforestryareas(PFNL)areinaccessibleasaresultofthreatsfromindividualswhopurportedlybelongtotheMFDC,inadditiontobansfromthemilitary.Women,whoareoftenthemostactiveinPFNLs,facechallengestoselltheirproductsduetoimpassibleroads,insecurityinharvestareas,taxesandharassmentsatcheckpoints. “We no longer have access to the resource-providing forest, nor to the paddy fields.” DeclarationofawomancollectedduringapublicconsultationinNiaguis.

The conflict’s specific impacts on women


Kidnappings

Militarization

d)“Too many things to recount, impossible to say it all in one day! I was kidnaped for a whole day by a rebel that took me around the forest on foot. I was eventually found by a soldier thanks to the reporting done by my friends, who could not find me in the fields. The soldier traded gunshots with the rebel; the bullets flew over me as I was laying down, with my belly on the ground, to avoid being hit”. TestimonyofawomanfromthepublicconsultationsinNiagis.

e)Themilitaryarealsoaccusedinsomezones,particularlyinNyassia,KaguitandOussouye,ofcommittingactsofviolenceagainstwomen(sexualviolence,abuse,aggressions,etc.).WomenaredemandingsanctionsandurgetheGovernmenttoundertakenecessarymeasuresandresponses.TheseactstarnishtheimageoftheStateandjeopardizerelationsbetweentheGovernmentandcitizens.“Soldiers are disrespectful when talking to the population, mainly women.” Declarations collectedduringthepublicconsultationinVélingara.

Allofthesechallengescontributetoadegradedclimateoftrustbetweenlocalpopulations,theGovernmentandMFDC,withafeelingofinsecurityexacerbatedbythelackofanyguaranteefrompeacebuildingactors.Variousfactorsimperiltheclimateofpeace,includingalackoftransparency,difficultyaccessinginformation(statusofthepeaceprocess,stateofdemobilizations,etc.),andageneralatmosphereofmistrustamongstinvolvedstakeholders,allofwhichcauseadverseeffectsonthedynamicsofpeaceandreconstruction.Theemergenceofnewconflictsrelatedtolandandnaturalresourcemanagement,inadditiontocattletheftsandlow-level,intra-andinter-villageconflicts,amongotherissues,canpotentiallyendangerstabilityinCasamance,andtheentiresub-region.

Challengesspecifictolocalcommunities,withanemphasisonwomen’sandyoungpeople’sneeds,mustbetakenintoconsiderationintheconflictresolutionandpeacebuildingprocessandinthedesign/implementationofdevelopmentprojects/programsinCasamance.

The“Head-in-the-sand”policyadoptedbystakeholdersfromallpartsvis-à-visthepoliticalissueoftheCasamanceregion’sstatusisamajorchallenge.Tobethoroughlyaddressed,thisissuemustberaisedanddiscussedopenly.

A permanent insecurity

18Strategies and perspectives from civil society

Allofthesechallengescontributetoadegradedclimateoftrustbetweenlocalpopulations,theGovernmentandMFDC,withafeelingofinsecurityexacerbatedbythelackofanyguaranteefrompeacebuildingactors.Variousfactorsimperiltheclimateofpeace,includingalackoftransparency,difficultyaccessinginformation(statusofthepeaceprocess,stateofdemobilizations,etc.),andageneralatmosphereofmistrustamongstinvolvedstakeholders,allofwhichcauseadverseeffectsonthedynamicsofpeaceandreconstruction.Theemergenceofnewconflictsrelatedtolandandnaturalresourcemanagement,inadditiontocattletheftsandlow-level,intra-andinter-villageconflicts,amongotherissues,canpotentiallyendangerstabilityinCasamance,andtheentiresub-region.

Challengesspecifictolocalcommunities,withanemphasisonwomen’sandyoungpeople’sneeds,mustbetakenintoconsiderationintheconflictresolutionandpeacebuildingprocessandinthedesign/implementationofdevelopmentprojects/programsinCasamance.

The“Head-in-the-sand”policyadoptedbystakeholdersfromallpartsvis-à-visthepoliticalissueoftheCasamanceregion’sstatusisamajorchallenge.Tobethoroughlyaddressed,thisissuemustberaisedanddiscussedopenly.

Strategies and perspectives from civil society

Inspiteofthemultiplechallenges,variousactors’interventionsvis-à-vissocial,cultural,economicandpoliticaldevelopmenthaveimprovedpeacedynamics.ThecurrentGovernmentisalsointheprocessoffindingsolutionswithMFDC.Yet,theseongoingdialoguesandnegotiationshavenotyetcometofruitionforvariousreasons,includingdivisionswithinMFDC,whichareundoubtedlyacontributingfactor.Otheractors,besidestheGovernmentofSenegalanditsbodiesorrepresentatives,havealsotakenactionintheconflictmanagement/resolutionprocessinCasamance.

Foritspart,civilsocietyhasdirectlyorindirectlybeeninvolvedintheconflictresolutionandpeacebuildingprocessbyworkingforthepeacefulendoftheconflictthroughnonviolentmethods,dialogue,mediationandthelaunchofdevelopmentactivities.However,theneedtobuildcivilsociety’scapacitiesinmechanisms,toolsandproceduresrelatedtomediation,andconflictmanagementandresolution,hasbeenidentified.Furthermore,thereisaneedtoharmonizeandstreamlineinterventionsfromdifferentcivilsocietyactorsandotherplayersinthepeaceprocessinordertocurbtheadverseeffectsof“competition”amongNGOsand/ortheoverlapping/duplicationoftheirprojectsandprograms.Coalitionswithincivilsocietyandenhancedsynergyareofparamountimportanceinpoolingefforts,knowledge,skillsandresources.


Civil society actors

Forcivilsocietyactors,thissectionwillfocusoncommunity-basedorganizations(CBOs),nationalnon-governmentalorganizations(NGOs)andinternationalorganizations(IOs),women’sgroupingsandnetworks,humanrightsgroups,youthassociations,religiousandcustomaryauthorities,grassrootspopulations,opinionleaders,researchers,andlocalpresentersoncommunityradiostations,etc.However,itisworthnotingthatnativesofCasamanceandsomecivilsocietyentitiesbasedabroadarealsoinvolvedintheconflictresolutionandpeacebuildingprocess,eitherdirectlyandindirectly.

Community-based organizations (CBOs): thesegenerallyinclude,interalia,women’sorganizations,women’spromotiongroups,youthgroupsorsportsandculturalassociations,andvillagedevelopmentassociations.Theyprovidesupporttolocalpopulationsandtheirmembersthroughsocialmobilizationandsensitizationsaroundthemanagementofpeaceandthedevelopmentofincome-generatingactivities(IGAs).

Women’s associations and networks: manywomen’sassociations-whosestatusiseitherasanassociationorNGO-haveformedtosupporttheresolutionoftheconflictandthecontinuingquestforpeace.Women’sorganizationsatthegrassrootslevelhavejoinedtheirforcesthroughtheestablishmentofthePlateformedesFemmespourlaPaixenCasamance(PFPC).ThereisalsotheWomen’sForumforSenegal–theGambia–Guinea-Bissau,whichaimstocontributetostrongerpeaceandstabilityinSenegal,theGambia,andGuinea-Bissau.SeveralNGOsdefendingwomen’srights,suchasFemmeAfricaSolidarité(FAS),playakeyroleinthepeaceprocess.

Community-based peace management committees: demonstratelocalcommunities’capacitiestorolloutactionsgearedtowardssocialcohesion.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs):activeintheprocessofenhancingsocialpeacebyimplementingprogramsonspecific,peace-centeredthemes.Theydeveloporimplementprojects/programsforparticipatorycitizenmonitoringandoversight,andalsoinvestincapacitybuildingforcommunities,CBOsandwomen’sgroups.

International organizations (IOs):financiallyandtechnicallysupportthepeaceprocessviavariousinterventionscenteredonawareness-raisingandimprovinglivingconditionsinareasaffectedbytheconflict(e.g.drillingwells,sanitationorfoodsupport,amongothers),suchasthroughcapacitybuildingprograms,theprovisionofinputsforIGAsand/orreconstructionofhomesforreturnees.IOsalsoorganizecapacitybuildingactivitiesintendedforcommunities,andengageinmonitoringandevaluation, etc.


Addressing challenges and establishing peace

a. Need for a permanent, transparent and inclusive national dialogue Oneofthekeyelementsinbuildingasustainablepeacewouldbetoreaddresstheconflict’ssubstantiveissuesanddiscusstheminanationaldebate,therebyfacilitatingexchangesonvariousissuesrelatedtothepolitical,economic,socialandculturalaspectsoftheconflict.

“If a national debate had, at the time, raised and thoroughly discussed the issues, […] to which are added other concerns including land issues […], we certainly would not have to face this situation. The lack of a forum for key issues partly explains the resorting to other means of expression that are, unfortunately, often violent.” Comments recorded duringaninterviewwithacommunityleader.

“After speaking for this long ...the time has come to address them [i.e the problems in Casamance] honestly, frankly and objectively. It’s about identifying them as thoroughly and accurately as possible”. Memorandum of the delegation of senior executives of Casamance,page8,April1984.

b. Revitalize the local economy!Toaddressthemuch-lamentedeconomicchallenges,itisimportantthattheGovernmentinvestintherevitalizationofthelocaleconomy,whichcanbedoneatvariouslevels: •Thedevelopmentofproductionandcommunicationfacilitiestohelpopenupvillagesandfosterbettersecurity,upgradeagriculturalproductsandproduce,improvemobilityforpeopleandfacilitatethereturnofthepopulationsbacktoabandonedvillages;•Thepromotionofself-employment,particularlyamongsttheyouthandwomen;•Theenhancementofbasicsocialservices(water,energy,health,education,etc.);•TheinvolvementofprofessionalandseniorexecutivesfromCasamancetoprovideinputsintermsofknowledge,technicalandfinancialmeans,dependingontheircompetencies;•Accessforyouthandwomentofundingopportunities;•TherealizationofPUDCgoalstoboosttheeconomyandenhancethelevelofruralinvestment.

c. Management of land-related conflicts

Itisimportanttofindsolutionsforthemanagementoflanddisputes/conflicts,withtheviewtomitigatingconflictsbetweenpopulationsandbetweenvillages,bothinCasamanceandinothercross-borderareas.Thiscanbeaccomplishedthroughan attitude of vigilance and maintenance of a culture of dialogue and consultation amongcommunities;andthefurtheranceofmulti-sectoralassistanceeffortsintendedforlocalpopulationsandcommunities.Aspartofthedecentralizationprocess,communalandmunicipalcouncilorsmustbeinvolvedintheresolutionoflanddisputes,aspertheirlegalmandates.

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d. Inclusive security management at cross-border areasTherearemanycross-borderchallengesbetweenSenegal,theGambiaandGuinea-Bissau,particularlywithregardstothetraffickingofresources,peopleandweaponsandcattlerustling,thusrequiringacollaborativeapproachfromeachrespectivegovernmentandCSOs.Itisessentialtoorganizedialoguesamongstmembersofcivilsociety,thesecuritysectorandlocalpopulationsincross-borderareas.Forinstance,feedbackfromavillagechiefofBignanowhoparticipatedinadialoguesessionorganizedbyPWA-SinZiguinchorspeaksvolumesontheimportanceofmulti-actordialoguesontheseissues: “I have never had the opportunity to exchange views directly with the security and defense forces as a village head. I handle various land-related disputes. I have contacted the police and the gendarmerie on several occasions without any follow-up. Today, you gave me the opportunity to speak not only with the gendarmerie, but also with the police, the army, the forestry services and customs at the same time.”

Awareness session in Keneba, the Gambia, December 2018, Tostan

Peacecommittees,composedofthreetosevenmembers(menandwomen),aremechanismsestablishedatcommunityleveltopreventandpeacefullyresolveconflicts.Itsmembersaredemocratically-electedbythecommunityandsubsequentlytrainedbyTostaninconflictmanagementandresolutiontechniques.Theconflictpreventionactionsconductedbypeacecommitteesincludesketches,discussions,meetingsanddebates,theaimofwhicharetoraisecommunities’awarenessofpeaceandsecurity.Forexample,beforetherainyseason,thecommitteessensitizecommunitymembersontheeffectsoffreegrazingthatoftentriggerconflictsbetweenfarmersandlivestockherders.Thethemesgenerallyaddressedthereinaretheimportanceofinter-religiousandinter-ethnicdialogues,theimportanceofpeaceforpeople’swell-being,theneedtodevelopempathyas

Peace committees



partofbettermutualunderstanding,theimportanceofrespectinghumanrights,and/ortheunderstandingofconflicts(triggerfactor,types,evolution,etc.).

Peacecommitteesofferaplatformofongoingdialogue,mediationandconflictresolutionatlocallevel.Theyalsocontributetothepromotionandstrengtheningofinter-andintra-villageandcross-borderconsultations.Thisapproachisinnovativeasitispremisedonlocalinstitutionsandcapacitybuildingforcommunity-basedorganizations,aswellastheirsustainability.

Actions and approaches

Tohelpaddresstheaboveandotherenormouschallenges,civilsocietyactorsandwomen’sorganizations-inparticular,PFPC–mustdeviseandadoptanappropriatestrategy.Thisstrategyshouldmakeitpossibletoidentifywaysandmeanstofacilitatecivilsociety’sgreaterparticipationinresolvingtheconflictinCasamance.Theapproachesandstrategiesarediverseandcanbesummedupasfollows:

• The mobilization of civil society for a sincere dialogue between the Government and the MFDC wouldconsolidateaclimateofsustainablepeaceandhavearippleeffortoneconomicrevitalizationthroughimprovingaccesstovillagesandtheexploitationandrecoveryofresources;

• Capacity building for CSOs on mediation, and conflict management and resolution;

• The promotion of a consultation framework amongst civil society stakeholders inordertobuildabroad-basedconsensusandsynergyaroundinterventionstodealwithconflict-relatedissuesandshareinformation.Thesynergythuscreatedwouldmakeitpossibletospeakinonevoiceandsittogetheratthenegotiationtable,withconflictresolutionproposalsbasedoncitizens’views.Thissynergycouldalsobestrengthenedonaprogrammaticbasis,bytakingintoaccountthelevelsand/ordomainsofinterventionofumbrellaentitiesandgrassrootsorganizations;

• An ongoing mobilization of women from all regions of Senegal, and Casamance, in particular;

• Enhanced sustainability for initiatives serving local populations. For instance, skillstransferstolocalstakeholdersandthestrengtheningofdialogueandconflictmanagement instruments and mechanisms. Moreover, the tightening of border securityandimprovedmobilityandaccessmustbeassured.

• The design and implementation of a large-scale, multi-sectoral program toenablevariousplayersfromcivilsociety,eachoneintheirlevelofintervention(micro,mesoand/ormacro)andareasofexpertise,toaddressthepriorityneedsofcommunitiesvis-à-vistheresolutionoftheconflict;

• A consensus on intervention methods. Itisimportanttoreachaconsensustoregaintheinvolvementofcivilsocietyandwomen’sorganizationsinthepeace

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process,andinorderto1)bettertargetpotentialactors;and2)identifythemeasures to be taken in this regard.

• A combination of community (village), collective (groupings) and individual (leaders) approaches aimedatreachingthemaximumnumberofpeopleandwomen,bothinruralandurbanareas,andatmicro,mesoandmacrolevels.However,thevalue-addofsuchaprogramwouldconsistofsupportingeachareainrelationtoitsspecificneedsforcapacitybuilding,accordingtotheselectedtypeofintervention.Thus,theemphasiswouldbelaidonsettinguplinksbetweeninterventionsitesandstakeholdersactiveatdifferentlevels.

a) The community approach makesitpossibletocarry-outpilotactivitiesthatreachthegreatestnumberofbeneficiariespossible,andthatsimultaneouslyserveasdemonstrativemodels;b) The collective approachtranslatesintothevoluntarygroupingofindividuals(leaders)inordertoreplicatetheapproachonamoreformalizedbasisandwithperformanceandresults-basedobjectives,therebymakingitpossibletomeasureimpacts;c) The individual approach correspondstothestageinwhichacommunitymember,basedonthereturnsofacollectiveactivity,decidestobecomeautonomousandself-sufficient.Thisthirdlevelistheultimateoutcomeoftheapproachandwillallowformoreequitableaccesstoopportunitiesfortheentirecommunity,theburdenbeingoneachindividual,aspartofafairandopencompetition,topromotehim/herself.Atthesametime,thisapproachwouldalsohavetheadvantageofbringingdirectsupporttosomeindividualswhoaresufficientlyintegratedintotheprocess,byhelpingtoremovebarrierstotheirowndevelopmentandempowerment.

• Adoption of a programmatic approach with the implementation of pilot projects. Thisspeakstodevelopingandbudgetingforamulti-phasedprogram,whichwouldincludebothpilotprojectsinvarioussectorstargetinglocalpopulations’generalneeds,andspecificallywomenand/oryouth.Itisalsoimportanttotakeadvantageoftheprivatesectorand/orcivilsocietystakeholderswhohaverelevantexpertisetoimplementpilotprojectsand bring them to scale.


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Aspartofeffortsaimedatfosteringtheeffectiveparticipationinthepeaceprocessofcivilsociety,includingwomenandyouth,andtheeconomicdevelopmentoftheirregion,thefollowingconditionsshouldbemet:

•Sensitizevariousstakeholdersonaccountingforwomen’sspecificneeds;

•Differentiatebetweenactivitiestobeconductedpriortonegotiationsandthosetobecarriedoutthereafter(i.e.afteranagreementisreached);

•ExpandopportunitiesforentrepreneurshipforwomenandyouthinCasamancethroughtheenhancementanddiversificationoftechnicaltrainings;

•Createspecificmicrocreditservicesforentrepreneurshipdedicatedtowomenandtheyouth,andpromotefreeaccesstotheseservicesforbeneficiaries;

•Providewomenandyouthwithservicesandtechnologiesthatenablethemtoworkautonomouslyandbecomecompetitiveonthelabormarket;

•Envisagethecreationofspecificfundsforlocalbusinessdevelopment,specificallyset-upforresidentsoftheCasamance,includingwomenandyoungpeople;

•BringtogetherlocalpopulationsofCasamance,includingwomenandtheyouth,todeveloppoliciesandprogramsservingthem.

Theseconditionsarelikewisevalidintheareasoftrainingandcapacitybuilding.However,theemphasisshouldbeplacedonnecessarypreventionfora peacefulfuture.

Conditions for effective and inclusive participation


25Women’s participation in peace processes

Duringinterviewsandpublicconsultations,womenaffirmedhavinglittleinformationabouttheongoingpeaceprocessandfeelingisolatedfromthestrategicnegotiationsbetweentheGovernmentandMFDC.“We do not know the terms of reference of the conflict management/resolution process, and only a small number of us are informed,” a womanleaderconcurred.

ThewomenofCasamancehave,sincetheoutbreakoftheconflict,demonstratedastrongwillpowerandcommitmenttobeinginvolvedbothintheircommunitiesandinthenationalandwiderpeaceprocess.Atcommunitylevel,womenhavefollowedastrategyofintegratingmodernconflictmanagementmechanismsandtechniquesintotraditionalmediationpractices.Tobesuccessful,thenationalpeacebuildingprocessforCasamancemustconsidertheeffectiveandequitableparticipationofwomenasequalpartnersandfull-fledgedactors.

ThroughouttheCasamance’shistory,women’sorganizations,particularlythoseinthesacredforests,haveplayedakeyroleduringmajorsocioculturaleventsincommunities.Theirroleinsocialmediationandtheresolutionofconflictstopreservesocialcohesionisrenowned.Therefore,itwouldberelevanttobuildonexistingandeffectivesocioculturalpracticesatcommunity-levelandinvolvewomenleadersandwomen’sorganizationsinrelayingimportantmessagesandawareness-raising,developingofsocioeconomicactivities,orsimplyforadvocacyatcommunity-andpolitical-level.

Alongsidefromtherecognitionofwomen’straditionalmediationroleinsociety,SenegalhasadheredtotheprinciplesoftheUnitedNationsSecurityCouncilResolution1325onWomen,PeaceandSecurity(hereafterreferredtoas“UNResolution1325).ThisResolutionnotonlyrecognizesthespecificimpactofconflictsonwomen,butalsotheneedtoconsiderthewomenaskeystakeholdersinconflictpreventionandresolution.SenegalisamongthecountriesthathaveadoptedaNationalActionPlan(NAP)fortheimplementationofUNResolution1325.ItisessentialthatthecountryfulfilitsobligationsundertheResolutionthroughtheactiveinvolvementofthewomenfromtheCasamanceinthepeacebuildingprocess,aswellasalsoestablishmechanismsandmeanstoalleviatetheconflict’sadverseimpacts onwomen.

Women’s participation in peace processes

The mediation role of women of Casamance


Regional mobilization and advocacy days for peace in Kolda, Sedhiou and Ziguinchor, February and March 2013

Onthe10thanniversaryoftheadoptionofUNResolution1325inDakar,twomajorassociations–KabonketorandUSOFORAL–cametogethertoraiseawarenessoftheneedtouniteandregroupvariouswomen’sassociationsoftheCasamanceinabidtoincludewomen’svoiceinthepeacebuildingprocess.Thisactionwasthefoundingevent,inSeptember2010,ofthePlateformedesFemmespourlaPaixenCasamance(PFPC).

Initiallydesignedasaninformalconsultationanddialogueplatform,PFPCrapidlybecameavitalorganizationinthepeacebuildingprocessinCasamance.Today,itbringstogethertodaysome210women’sassociationsandorganizations,witharound25,000membersscatteredthroughoutCasamance(e.g.Ziguinchor,KoldaandSedhiou).PFPC’smissionistopooltheenergies,skillsandexpertiseofeachofitsmemberassociations,andtoproposeconcreteandrelevantsolutionstoputanendtothecrisisinCasamance.

PFPC’sinterventionstrategyisarticulatedaroundthreepillars:1)restartthedialoguebetweentheGovernmentandMFDCtopromotetheresumptionoflarge-scaleandinclusivenegotiationsforadefinitivereturnofpeacetotheregion;2)fightagainstallformsofviolenceagainstthecivilianpopulationsbythebelligerents;3)strengthenPFPC’sinstitutionalandorganizationalcapacitiestomakeitadynamic,civilsocietyplayerforgenderequalityinthepeacebuildingprocess.

Sinceitscreation,PFPChasconductedseveralactionsforpeace:prayernights;demonstrationsinZiguinchor;a2012petitioncampaignforpeaceinCasamance,whichrecordedover50,000signatures;audienceswithpresidentialcandidates;informationanddonationcollectioncampaign;dialogueswithreligiousandcustomaryleaders;communitymeetings;mobilizationandadvocacydays;andmeetingswithmilitaryofficialsandMFDCleaders(formoreinformation,refertoAnnex#2)

La Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (PFPC)


Elaboration workshop for the Women´s Forum for Sengeal - the Gambia - Guinea - Bissau advocacy plan in Ziguinchor, March 2019

GuidedbythestrongconvictionthattheresolutionoftheconflictinCasamancecannotbesuccessfulwithoutsub-regionalcollaborationbetweenSenegal,theGambiaandGuinea-Bissau,PFPCdecidedtocombinecivilsociety’sefforts,notablywomen’sorganizations,throughthecreationoftheWomen’sForumforSenegal–theGambia–Guinea-Bissau.

TheWomen’sForumwasestablishedinSeptember2017,withamissiontorestoreandprotectpeaceandstabilityinthethreecountries.ThemainobjectivesoftheForumare:1)defendhumanrights,particularlythoseofwomen,forgenderequityandequalityinthethreecountries;2)supportandfacilitateallinitiativesthatsupportgoodgovernanceanddemocracy,socialcohesion,andgender-sensitizepolicieswithcompetentgovernmentauthorities;3)promotewomen’sparticipationindecision-makingbodies;themanagement,resolutionandtransformationofconflicts;andpeacebuildingandmediationaspartofthethreenations’interestinpeaceandsecurity.

TheForumisnon-political,non-sectarian,non-discriminatoryandnon-profitmaking.Itbringstogetherthreemajororganizationsofthethreecountries,withoutanydiscriminationbasedonethnicity,language,originorreligion.Thememberorganizationsare:PFPCofSenegal,theWomen’spoliticalplatformofGuinea-BissauandtheAfricanCenterforDemocracyandHumanRightsStudies(CADEDH)oftheGambia.

TheWomen’sForummembersseektobringforthajointresponse,inacoordinatedandefficientmanner,tothesecuritythreatsandpoliticalinstabilityloomingintheSenegal–theGambia–Guinea-Bissausub-region.

The Women’s Forum for Senegal – the Gambia – Guinea-Bissau


Dialogue session with women from the regions of Dakar, Matam, Diourbel, Thiès, Ziguinchor, Kolda and Sédhiou on peace in Casamance, in Ziguinchor, 26 and 27 March 2019

TheconflictinCasamanceisfirstandforemostanationalconcern,requiringtheinvolvementofallSenegalesecitizens.Inthisregard,PartnersWestAfrica–Senegal(PWA-S)hasbeenstagingdialoguesessionsbetweenwomenofCasamanceandwomenleadersofassociationsfromotherregionsofthecountry,withwomenfromtheGambiaandGuinea-Bissau in attendance.

StereotypingofdifferentethnicgroupsinSenegalandvariablesocioeconomicsituationshaveinhibitedtheorganizationofconstructivedialogues,particularlybetweenwomen’sgroupsandnetworks,thatfacilitateacollectiveappropriationoftheCasamanceissuebywomenleadersfromCasamanceandotherregions.Thesedialoguesessions,however,havestartedtobreakdownexistingstereotypes,reducefalseperceptionthatregionshaveofoneanotherandidentifycommonproblemsinabidtostrengthenmutualtrust.

ReinvigoratedsupportforadvocacyeffortsforadefinitivepeaceinCasamancefromwomenthroughoutSenegalisessential,especiallyconsideringthenationalcharacteroftheconflict.

Breaking down barriers and strengthening support amongst women throughout Senegal

29Recommendations for a definitive & sustainable peace in Casamance

Mostly formulated during public consultations by local populations and women in particular, these recommendations are geared towards the Government, MFDC and to civil society:

1. Recommendations common to the Government and MFDC:

•Formalizeaceasefirethroughanaccordsignedbyallparties.

•ReconsidertheCasamanceissueatdifferentlevels(political,social,economicandcultural);

•Establishaninclusiveapproach,conducivefortheactiveparticipationofwomeninpeacenegotiationstodefendtheirspecificconcernsandthebroaderperspectivesoflocalpopulationsinCasamance;

•InitiateanegotiationdynamicthatrebuildssocialpeaceinCasamanceandreinvigoratesthelocaleconomy.

•Include,inpeaceagreementsandasspecificpoints,theprohibitionofallformsofgender-basedviolence,therecognitionofviolencecommittedagainstwomenduringtheconflict,andplansforconcretemeasurestopreventandsanctionviolence;

•Supporttheresumptionofhumanitariandemining;

•Collaborateindeminingeffortsandthepeacefulreturnofdisplacedpersonsandreturneesto their areas of origin.

2. Recommendations to the Government

•TheGovernmentofSenegalmustensure,aspartofpeacebuildingeffortsinCasamance,theeffectiveimplementationofnationallawsandinternationalconventionsratifiedwithregardstopeaceandsecurity,notablyUNResolution1325onwomen’sparticipation,andincorporategenderperspectivesinpeaceprocessesandconflictresolution;

•StrengthenthedialoguestrategyalreadybegunwiththeMFDCandinvitetheirmemberstouniteandspeakinonevoiceforconstructivenegotiationstowardsadefinitivepeace;

•Adoptaninclusiveapproachtothepeacebuildingprocess,withtheeffectiveparticipationoflocalpopulationsfromCasamance,women,theyouthandcivilsocietyinthedecision-makingprocess.Thiswouldhelptorestoreaclimateofmutualtrust;

•Strengthenandensuretheeffectiveimplementationofexistingeconomicdevelopmentprograms,includingtheEmergencyProgramforEconomicDevelopment(PUDC)andtheEmergencyProgramfortheModernizationofRoadsandBorderAreas(PUMA),aspartofthequestforsolutionstosocioeconomicproblems,particularlyyouthunemployment,thereintegrationofformerrebels,andtherationaluseofnaturalresources;

Recommendations for a definitive & sustainable peace in Casamance


•Developprogramsaimedatsupportingwomenwhoarevictimizedbyviolenceandtraumafromtheconflict,empoweringwomenandpromotingwomen’sentrepreneurship;

•Accelerateaccesstoisolatedareasasacomplementtodevelopmenteffortsthroughthe construction of road infrastructure and the rehabilitation of the Emile Badiane Bridge connectingZiguinchortoToborvillage.ThiswouldlikewisecontributetoinfrastructureprojectinitiatedbytheAfricanDevelopmentBank(AfDB)andtheEconomicCommunityofWestAfricanStates(ECOWAS),namelytheFarafenniBridgethatconnectsSenegalandtheGambia;

•Strengthenlocalpopulations’livelihoodsthroughinvestmentandcapacitybuilding;

•Resumedialoguesessionsbygoingbacktothetableofnegotiations-end“nowar,nopeace”–inordertopreventanyresurgenceofviolenceanddefinemajorproject-basedinvestments;

•InallthepublicprojectsandprogramsfortherevitalizationofdevelopmentinCasamance,theGovernmentshouldidentifypopulations’specificneedsand,morespecifically,thoseofwomen,andbringaboutconcreteandsustainablesolutions;

•InallinitiativesforpeaceandreconstructioninCasamance,theGovernmentmustimplementahumanrights-basedapproachandmainstreamsocialinclusionandgender,aspartofimprovingprospectsforreconciliationandforgiveness;

•Improvepeople’slivingconditionsbyenhancingeconomicdevelopmentatlocallevel,includingthroughinfrastructure,andbypromotingamoreequitableaccesstobasicsocialandenergyservices;

•Openupthecommunicationsprocessaroundtheconflict,whichtendstoadoptaratherstereotypedformat.TheCasamanceconflictisonlyspokenofduringthePresident’sNewYearEveaddressor,atbest,ontheeveofApril3rd(thedaybeforeSenegal’sIndependenceDay);orduringtragiceventsintheregion.Moreover,theconflictismainlyrememberedbythedamagecausedbyalandmineoranotherunfortunateincident.MoreproactivecommunicationfromtheGovernmentaroundmajorissuesrelatedtotheconflictinCasamancewouldpreventthesituationfromworsening;

•PerformaprecisetargetingofthemostdeprivedandimperiledareasinneedofPUDCintervention.

This dynamic should alleviate the populations’ frustrations against the Government and foster better relations with local populations and users of public services.

3. Recommendations to the MFDC

•Harmonizeitspositionsandcometogetheratthenegotiationtablewiththegovernmentwithlegitimateandunifiedinterlocutors,aspartofmoresubstantiveparticipationinthepeaceprocess;

•EstablishandputinplaceinternalpoliciesthatrespectUNResolution1325throughassuringwomen’sparticipationinpeaceprocessesinCasamanceanddeveloppoliciesandmechanismsforaddressingnegativeimpactsoftheconflictonwomen;


•Recognizewomenaskeyinterlocutorsbygivingthemaleadershiproleinthenegotiations,andinvolvingtheminthedecision-makingprocessandinnegotiations;

•Includeinnegotiationpointssomemeansofredressfortheheavytollpaidbywomenintheconflictandtakeintoaccounttheconcernsofwomen,youthandcommunitiesimpactedby theconflict.

4. Recommendations to other actors in the peace process, including civil society

•Harmonizeitspositionsandcometogetheratthenegotiationtablewiththegovernmentwithlegitimateandunifiedinterlocutors,aspartofmoresubstantiveparticipationinthepeaceprocess;

•Developacommonvisionforanalternativetothecurrentsituationandanattitudeofwatchdogandvigilanceofthenegativeeffectsoftheconflictwithincommunities,andstrengthenlocalstakeholders’interventioncapacitiestoencourageself-regulation;

•Elevatecivilsociety’sadvocacyeffortstoanationallevel;

•HighlightCSOs’legitimacyandroleintheconflictresolutionprocess,notablythroughtheirplayingamediationrolewithintheMFDCandbetweentheMFDCandtheGovernment;

•Promotewomen’seconomicempowerment;

•Supporttheresumptionofhumanitariandemining;

•Strengthensocialdialoguebetweendifferentactors;

•Enhancefeelingsofunityamongstcivilsocietyactors;

•Havespecificmeasurestargetingtheyouth;

•Performamappingofallstakeholdersinordertoharmonizeactionsandpreventtheduplicationandfragmentationofefforts.

5. Recommendations to women’s organizations (to PFPC in particular)

•EnactperseveranceandvigilanceinabidtoundertakemeasuresthatensuretheapplicationandimplementationofinstrumentsunderUNResolution1325;

•Implementspecificprogramsforthedevelopmentofskillsinmediationandnegotiation,ontheonehand,andtowardsanoptimalinvolvementintheresolutionoftheconflictinCasamanceontheonehand,andthepromotionofentrepreneurshipinvariousfieldsofsustainabledevelopment,ontheotherhand;

•Ensurewomen’sinvolvementinthedevelopmentofprojectsandprogramsconcerningthem;

•Establishlinkswithwomen’sgroupsfromotherregionsofSenegalandwiththoseintheGambiaandGuinea-Bissautoreinforceadvocacyeffortsatnationalandregionallevels.


6. Recommendations to municipal authorities, communities and civil society

•Considerthepsychologicaldimensionofrebuildingcommunities,forinstancebyemphasizingtheneedtohaveaccesstoofficialdocuments(e.g.Birthcertificate);

•Exercisestronginvolvementinthedesignofappropriatemechanisms,suchasthroughinvolvementinsensitizationactivities;

•Investinresolvingland-relatedconflicts,includingbetweencross-bordercommunities;

•Supportvillageleadersintheirroleof“firstresponders”withincommunities.

7. General recommendations to technical and financial partners in their capacity to exert pressure and influence

Based on the concerns raised during the public consultations, other recommendations have been formulated, mainly on the following points:

•Developfacilitiesandtechnologiesadaptedtowomenandyouth,notablyinproductiveactivitieswithinimportantvaluechains;

•Reviewthefunding/grantsystem/mechanismandthegrantingoftaxincentivesadaptedforthesocioeconomicdevelopmentofCasamance;

•Implementspecificprogramsforthecreation/enhancementofanentrepreneurialcultureforthepopulationsofCasamance.Theseprograms,basedonthepotentialitiesoftheregion,wouldaimtoempowerwomenandyouthatorganizational,managerial,technical,socialandpolitico-institutionallevels;

•Harmonizetechnicalandfinancialpartners’variousinterventionstoavoidduplicationandpromotesynergyinthepeaceprocessandotherareas.

8. Recommendations to the Governments of Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau

•Engage,onagreaterscale,intheeffectiveresolutionofconflictsincross-borderareasthroughemphasizinginclusivedialogueandinvolvingcivilsociety;

•Createaplatformofdialogue(forumorjointcommittee)forthethreecountries,withtheinclusionofcivilsocietyandwomen,toensurebetterbordersecurity;enhancetheroleoftheSenegal-GambiaSecretariat(SSG)intheresolutionoftheconflictinvolving,totheextentpossible,Guinea-BissauintheSSGportfolio;andreviewthemissionofthisbodytoincorporatepeaceandsecurityissuesatborders;

•Holdperiodicmeetingsthatbringtogetherstakeholdersfromthethreecountriestodevelopandplancommonstrategies.

33Bibliography

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Benoist Joseph, Roger de. (1991), «Pour une solution définitive du conflit en Casamance»,PolitiqueAfricaineN°160.

Diallo Boucounta, (2009), «La crise casamançaise. Problématique et voies de solutions»,Paris,L’harmattan.

Evans (M.). (2003), Ni paix, ni guerre: the Political Economy of Low-Level Conflict in the Casamance, in Collinson (S.), ed., Power, Livelihoods and Conflict: Case Studies in Political Economy Analysis for Humanitarian Action. Humanitarian Policy Group Report n° 13,Londres,OverseasDevelopmentInstitute.

Foucher, Vincent. (2002), «Les évolués», la migration, l’école : pour une nouvelle interprétation de la naissance du nationalisme casamançais. Also See:DiopM.-C.,dir.-Le Sénégal contemporain.Paris:Karthala,p.375-424.

Foucher, V. (2003),«Pasd’alternanceenCasamance?Lenouveaupouvoirsénégalaisfaceàlarevendicationséparatistecasamançaise»,Politiqueafricaine,Paris,n°91,p.101-119.

Foucher, V. (2006), Le «recours culturel» et la résolution des conflits. L’exemple des Usana en Casamance (Sénégal).AlsoSee:Lefranc(S.),dir,Après le conflit, la réconciliation,Paris,ÉditionsMichelHoudiard,).

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Macaria, Barai (2008), «Expériences en Guinée Bissau - Rapport Femmes, Gouvernance endogène et Prévention des conflits en Afrique de l’Ouest»,workshopheldbytheSahelandAfricaClubofOECD-West,Niamey,26/28Aprril2006.

Marut, Jean-Claude. (1994), «Penser la Casamance»,Barbier-Wiesser(F.-G.),dir,Comprendre la Casamance. Chroniqued’uneintégrationcontrastée,Paris,Karthala.

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Marut, J.C (2009), «L’instrumentalisation d’un modèle. Les mécanismes traditionnels de résolution des conflits africains»,DarbonD.,dir.-Lapolitiquedesmodèles.Simulation,dépolitisationetappropriation.Paris:Karthala,p.107-124

Marut, J.C (2010), «Le conflit de Casamance. Ce que disent les armes». Paris : Karthala,420p.

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Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (Juin 2014), « Document stratégique sur la voix des femmes dans la construction de la paix en Casamance ».withthesupportofUSOFORAL,women’sregionalsolidaritycommitteeforpeaceinCasamance,anditsstrategicpartner,WFDWeltfriedensdièenst

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34Annexes

Period Event

1982 26 December SuppressionofMFDCdemonstrationbythemilitary

1983 6 december13 december

ElectionofPresidentAbdouDiouf;IndictmentofthemainMFDCleaders;CreationofATIKA,thearmedwingofMFDC

1984/1989 Relative calm

1990

BeginningofMFDC’sarmedoffensive;ArrestofpurportedMFDCleadersandmembers;

1991 29 March29 March28May31May

SomePDSleadersmeetMFDCleadersforpeacenegotiations;Ceasefire agreement between MFDC and the Government of Senegal in Toubacouta; Liberationofpoliticaldetaineesarrestedunderthedetentionwarrantof24April1988,includingFatherDiamacoune;CacheuAgreements,madepossiblethankstotheclergy;WithdrawalofSidyBadji,ConflictwithAbbotDiamacoune;BeginningofdivisionswithinMFDC

1992 12 August

FatherDiamacounejoinstheSouthFront;Upsurgeofviolence/exactions;

1993 8July

2nd ceasefire agreement

1994 MilitarycoupintheGambia,YahyaJammehseizespower;SalifSadiotakesoverfromLeopoldSagnaattheSouthFront;

1995 Resurgence of violence

1996 FailureoftheSaintEdigiopeaceinitiative

1997 Plantingoflandmines;

Thearmedrebelliongainsground;About30soldiersgunneddowninMandinaMankagne

Annex 1: Chronology of the conflict, the peace process and civil society’s interventions

35Annexes

Period Event

1988 7 June

30villagersmassacredbythearmyinDjifangor;DiscoveryofarmstraffickingbytheMFDC;MilitaryuprisinginBissau:•MilitaryinterventionofSenegaleseandBissau-GuineanforcesalongsidePresidentNinoVieira;•Intervention of the armed rebellion alongside the Junta.Eruption of civil society mobilization during a CONGAD workshop in Ziguinchor

1999

PresidentNinoVieiratoppledbytheJunta;Creation of women’s regional solidarity committee for peace in Casamance (USOFORAL)Beginning of Banjul meetings, with civil society (including USOFORAL) attending for the first time;MeetingbetweenFatherDiamacouneandPresidentAbdouDiouf;MFDC internal meeting in Banjul, agreement for the cessation of hostilities between the Government of Senegal and MFDC in Banjul

2000ElectionofMeAbdoulayeWadeasPresidentoftheRepublicofSenegal;Changeofpolicy–100days–andbeginningofthecirculationofmoneycases;KumbaYallabecomesPresidentoftheRepublicofGuinea-Bissau

2001

24 mars

SeizureofCassololbyLeopoldSagna;LeopoldSagnaandhislieutenantsgunneddownbySalifSadiowhomovestotheNorthernFront;CesarAtouteBadiatetakesoverfromLeopoldSagna;Banjul:MFDCinternalmeeting; MilitaryoffensivebyGuinea-BissauagainstSalifSadio;PresidentWadereceivesAbbotDiamacoune;ShuffleinMFDCleadership.

2001/2007 Fragmentationoftheseparatistmovement

2003 DemiseofMFDCSecretaryGeneralSidyBadji;

2004

30 December

ClashesbetweenSalifSadioandthemilitary;MFDC internal meetingAmnestylawinfavorofMFDC;

Peace agreement between MFDC and the Government of Senegal in Ziguinchor

2005

NinoVieiraelectedpresidentagainstKumbaYallaTagmeNaWaibecomesarmychiefofstaffinGuinea-Bissau;MeetingbetweenMFDCandtheGovernmentofSenegalinFoundiougne;FatherDiamacouneappointsAnsoumanaBadjiasMFDCSecretaryGeneral;Father Diamacoune excludes Abdou Elinkine Diatta from MFDC

36Annexes

Period Event 2006

MilitaryattackagainstSalifSadio,attemptedcoupinGuinea-BissauandsuspicionsofSenegal’sinvolvement;AnsoumanaBadjidismissedasSecretaryGeneral;MayneDiemeandCesarBadiateattackSalifSadiointheSouth;AssassinationofOumarLamineBadji,PresidentoftheRegionalCouncilofZiguinchor;MayneDieme,charismaticfigureofDiakaye,arrested

2007 RivalriesamongMFDCfactionsfollowingthedeathofFatherDiamacoune;

DeminingoperationscarriedoutbyMorocco;Cassololarmedretaliation;

2008 Upsurgeofviolenceagainstcivilians;

BeginningofconsultationsbetweenthefactionsofCassololandDiakaye

2009 Guinea-Bissau:DoubleassassinationofTaymeNaWaiandNinoVieira;

IndutobecomesChiefofstaffinGuinea-Bissau,withIndjaiasadeputy;Demonstration:civilsocietycallsfornonviolence,andnegotiationsresumebetweentheMFDCandtheGovernmentofSenegal;

2010 BeginningofthehostagetakingpolicybyMFDC;

EscalationoftheconflicttowardstheoutskirtsofZiguinchor;Morethan1,000peopledisplacedfromvillagestoZiguinchor;MilitarysweepoperationtowardsLowerCasamance;Banjul-boundweaponsseizedinNigeria,connectionwithMFDCsuspected;ResurgenceofcarjackingontheTrans-Gambiaroad;Creation of the Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (PFPC)

2011

Gambia:weaponsfromIranboundfortheGambia:linkagewithMFDC;AttackonthemilitarybarracksbyMFDC;Massificationofthemilitarypresence;Retaliationofthearmedgroupsagainstthepopulations;IncreasedmagnitudeoflandminesintheNorthofSindian

2012 Audition of presidential candidates by PFPC;

ElectionofMackySallasPresidentoftheRepublicofSenegal;ReconciliationofthegroupsledbyCesarAttouteBadiateandOusmaneNiantangwiththesupportofMKM/DDCC;TheGovernmentofSenegalgivesPFPCamandateforpeacebuilding;DeclarationfornegotiationsbyPresidentMackySall,SalifSadio,Cesar,andthefactionledbyOusmaneNiantang,underthemediationofSantEgidio;LiberationofSenegalesesoldiers;CreationofGRPC;

2013 Hostagetakingandliberationof12mine-cleaners;

SantEgidiomeetingbetweenSalifSadioandrepresentativesoftheGovern-mentofSenegal;TheGambia:YahyaJammehoffersfacilitationservicesforthevariousMFDCfactions;Respiteandpromiseofnegotiations;

37Annexes

Période Évènement

2016

PresidentYayaJammehtoppled;PresidentAdamaBarrowelectedGambianPresident

2017 Establishment of the Women’s forum for Senegal – the Gambia – Guinea-

Bissau

2018 Killingof14woodcuttersinBofaBayotteforest;

AuditionofpresidentialcandidatesbyPFPC(PresidentMackySalldidnot showup);Militarysweepoperation;Resurgence of tensions.

38Annexes

(i) The night of prayer and the landmark demonstration for peace in 2011 Uponitscreation,thefirststrongandsymbolicsteptakenbyPFPCintheprocesswastheorganizingofanightofprayersfollowedbyalandmarkdemonstrationforpeaceon12January2011inZiguinchor.About5,000people,fromallreligions(Muslim,Christianandtraditional)tookpartinthismobilizationinfavorofpeace.

(ii) Petition drive for peace in Casamance Thepetitionlaunchedin2012bythePlateformedesFemmespourlaPaixenCasamance(PFPC)recordedover50,000signaturesthroughouttheregionofCasamance.ThepetitionurgedtheGovernmentandMFDCtostopthehostilitiesandholddirect,frankandsincerenegotiationsfortherestorationofpeaceinCasamance.

Annex 2: Information on PFPC

39Annexes

(iii) Signing of a Memorandum for peace in Casamance Thepresidentialelectionof2012wasmarkedbyanaudaciousoperationbythemembersoftheWomen’sPlatformforPeaceinCasamance.BychallengingthepresidentialcandidatesonthesituationrifeinthenaturalregionofCasamance,theylefttheirmarkinthepeaceprocessandattractedtheattentionofthenationalandinternationalpublicopinion.

40Annexes

(iv) The “SOS Fogny” Campaign

BetweenJanuary2011andFebruary2012,thelayingoflandminesandthepersistenceofclashesbetweenthearmyandMFDCinthedistrictofSindiancompelledthepopulations,eventhemostdaringones,tofleefromareasofinsecurity.Inreactiontothisdramaticsituation,PFPCdecidedtolaunchacommunicationcampaignandacallfordonationsinfavorofthepopulationsindistressintheSindianareainApril2012.

• Audition of the 2 challengers in the second round of the presidential election

Betweenthetworoundsoftheelectionof2012,thewomeninvitedthetwoopposingcandidates–MackySallandAbdoulayeWade–togopublicontheirprojectforCasamanceandundertaketoinvolvewomenintheconflictresolutionprocess,aspertheUNResolution1325.

• Meetings and dialogues with religious and customary authorities

TheinfluenceofreligiousandcustomaryleadersisundeniableinthenaturalregionofCasamance.RulingthemoutofthepeaceprocesswouldbeaseriousmistakethatPFPCwantstoavoid.Thus,thePlatformheldtalkswiththeselocalleadersincludingMonseigneurPaulAbelMamba,ImamFansounBodian,theKingofOussouyeandtheKingofCalobonetounveilitsapproach,securetheirsupportandcompiletheirproposals.

41Annexes

(v) Audiences with President Macky Sall Ontwooccasions,PFPChasbeenreceivedbyPresidentMackySall.Firston27Junein2012,onthesidelinesofthethirddecentralizedcouncilofministersheldinZiguinchor,andthenon17March2014,duringthelaunchofthedevelopmentcenterforCasamance. Duringthesemeetings,PFPCsoughttoremindthePresidentofhiscommitmentstowardswomen,notablytherespectofUNResolution1325,hisundertakingtoprioritizedialogue,etc.PFPCthenobtainedtheassuranceoftheHeadofStatethatwomenwouldgainaspotinthefutureframeworktobeputinplaceforthenegotiations.

42Annexes

(vi) Community meetings SomecommunitygatheringswereheldfromOctobertoNovember2012attheinitiativeofPFPC.Membersoftheleadershipmetwithwomenfromtheinlandareasoftheregiontocollecttheperspectivesofthosewhohavebornethebruntofthiswar.ThisapproachmadeitpossibletotakestockoftheconsequencesoftheconflictandformulateproposalsforthereconstructionofCasamance.Inall,24ruralcommunitiesandcommuneswerevisitedbyPFPCofficials,withover2,500ruralwomenreached.

43Annexes

(vii) The silent demonstration for the liberation of mine-clearers Duringtheabductionofthe12mine-clearersofMECHEM,thePlateformedesFemmespourlaPaixenCasamance(PFPC)spokeuptodemandtheirliberationandthefurtheranceofhumanitariandeminingoperations,byorganizingasilentdemonstrationinthestreetsofZiguinchoron22May2013.Threewomenamongthe12mine-clearerswerelaterreleasedaftertheprotest,followedafewweekslaterbythemen.

44Annexes

• The national day of mobilization and advocacy for peace in Casamance ThisimportanteventheldinCICESDakarwasaimedatincitingthecommitmentofcitizensfromotherregionsofSenegal.TherehaslongbeenthesensethatonlythepopulationsofCasamancewereinvolvedinpeacebuilding,whichwouldbeanimpedimenttoadefinitivepeace.ThisiswhyPFPCfounditnecessarytoinviteallmembersoftheSenegalesenationtoriseupanddemandtheendoftheconflictinCasamance.Anexceptionalmobilizationofwomen’sorganizations,associations,resourcepersons,andpersonalitiesofSenegalesecivilsocietyrelayedastrongmessageofsolidaritytothepeopleofCasamance.

• Social mobilization and advocacy days for peace Thedaysofsocialmobilizationandadvocacyforpeacewereheldon9February2013inZiguinchor,on22FebruaryinSedhiouandon2MarchinKolda.Theyservedasanoccasionforwomentogettogether;takestockoftheirresponsibilitiesinthesearchforpeace;andissueadistresscalltothepopulations,toMFDCandSenegaleseauthorities,urgingthemtosay“ENOUGH”ofthewarinCasamance.TheresoundingsuccessofthisactivitythenenabledPFPCtostepupitspositioningasaplayerofthepeacebuildingprocessinCasamance.

• Meetings with military officials InclosecollaborationwithWorldEducation,PFPChasinitiatedseveralmeetingswithmilitaryofficialstosharetheconcernsandsufferingsofthepeopleofCasamancethathavebeeninthethroesofthearmedconflict.

• Meetings and dialogues with MFDC political leaders Asperitsmission,PFPCendeavorstocontactallstakeholdersengagedintheconflict,thoughthishasbeenrendereddifficultduetocurrentdivisionswithinMFDC,specificallythemultiplefactionsthataredifficulttolocateandidentify;andthefracturebetweenthepoliticalandmilitarywingsofthemovement,anditshomeandabroad-basedrepresentations.Afteralongprocessofidentifyingappropriateinterlocutors,PFPChasnowstartedmeetingwiththemostaccessiblerepresentativesoftheMFDC.ThesemeetingsprovidedtheoccasiontopresentPFPC’sapproachandlistentothepositionsofeveryone,withtheviewtoformulatingproposalsforfuturepeacenegotiations.

45Annexes

Focus groups (women) during the public consultations

Annex 5: Photo gallery

46Annexes

Focus groups (men) during the public consultations

Debriefing session in plenary

47Annexes

The Women’s Forum for Senegal – the Gambia – Guinea-Bissau

48Endnotes

Endnotes

i Unaam Kayraay translatesto“Togetherforpeace”intheDiolalanguage.

ii PartnersGlobalisaninternationalNGO,establishedin1989andbasedinWashington,D.C.USA.Itsmissionistoworkwithlocalchangeleaderstotransformconflicts,strengthendemocraticinstitutions,andachievesustainabledevelopment.Formoreinformation,seeitswebsitewww.partnersglobal.org

iii Tostan isanNGOcreatedin1991inSenegal,withitsheadquartersbasedinDakar.Itsmissionistobuildcommunities’capacitiesinAfricaforsustainabledevelopmentandapositivesocialtransformationvis-à-vistherespectofhumanrights.TostanisactiveinsixWestAfricancountries:TheGambia,RepublicofGuinea,Guinea-Bissau,Mali,MauritaniaandSenegal.Itsprogramsandapproachesfocuson:capacitybuildingforcommunities,peaceandsecurity,thestrengtheningofparentalpractices,capacitybuildingfordetainees,thecreationofcommunitynetworksandtheTostanTrainingCenter(TTC),aneducationandknowledgesharingcenter.FormoreinformationonTostan,pleasevisititswebsitewww.tostan.org

iv Partners West Africa — SenegalisalocalNGObasedinSenegalandencouragingdialogue,transparency,goodgovernanceandtheinclusiveparticipationofwomenandyouthinregional,nationalandlocaldevelopmentprocesses.PWA-SisactiveintheWestAfrican,francophoneregion,withinitiativesinGuinea,Mali,SenegalandNiger,andnetworkscoveringtheentiresub-region,withauniquecapacitytobringtogetherunlikelypartners.PWA-Sfocusesmainlyoncitizensecurity,preventingandcounteringviolenceextremismandthepromotionofaninclusiveapproachofthesecuritysectorinWestAfrica.Formoreinformation,pleasevisititswebsite www.partnerswestafrica.org

v The Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance (PFPC) isanorganization/networkgrouping210women’sorganizations,withsome25,000membersscatteredthroughtheregionofCasamance,mainlyinthedepartmentsofZiguinchor,SedhiouandKolda.Itwascreatedin2010togatherandunitethevariouswomen’sassociationsofthenaturalregionofCasamance,withtheviewtoincludingwomen’svoiceinthepeacebuildingprocess.ThemainobjectivesofPFPCare:1)MobilizewomenaroundthePlatformfortheconstructionofpeaceinCasamance;2)Positionitselfasafully-fledgedplayerinnegotiations,asperUNResolution1325;3)PushtheGovernmentofSenegalandMFDCtoincorporategenderperspectives;4)Developadvocacystrategiesforthepromotionofpeaceandreconciliation;5)Workagainstallformsofviolence,discriminationandinjusticeagainstwomenandchildren;6)Developprogramsinsupportofvulnerablesectionsofthepopulation;7)Contributetotherevitalizationofeconomicactivitiesoftheregion.FormoreinformationaboutPFPC,visitthewebsitewww.sunupfpc.org vi LaPlateformedesFemmespourlaPaixenCasamancetranslatestotheWomen’sPlatformforPeaceinCasamanceinEnglish.Thisdocumentusestheorganization’sofficialnameofLa Plateforme des Femmes pour la Paix en Casamance, however.

vii CasamanceislocatedintheSouth-WesternpartofSenegal,withasurfaceareaof29,000squarekmandapopulationestimatedat1.9millioninhabitants,accordingtothecensus2018oftheNationalAgencyforStatisticsandDemography(ANSD).Owingtoitsgeographiclocation,Casamanceisaneconomic,politicalandstrategicregion.ItisthemostforestedregionofSenegal,henceitsdesignationas“naturalregion”thatmakesitaregionwithahighpotentialinagriculturalandtourism.ItisborderedintheWestbytheAtlanticOcean;intheNorthbytheGambia,separatingitfromtherestofSenegal;andintheSouthbyGuineaBissauandtheRepublicofGuinea.

viii Uponhisarrivalinpowerin2000,PresidentAbdoulayeWadeofficiallydeclaredhisambitiontoresolvetheconflictin100days,whichprogressivelybecamemoreandmoreunrealisticduetothecomplexityoftheconflict.

ix ToubacoutaisavillageinSenegallocatedintheSine-Saloumarea,about40kmSouthofFoundiougne,halfwaybetweenSokoneandPostKarang.

xLiberationofMFDCdetainees,includingAbbotDiamacoune,arrestedunderadetentionwarrantof24April1988

xi Themoststrikingeventwasthekillingofabout30soldiersintheMadinaMankagneareain1997 xii Createdin1982,CONGADgroupstogetherseveralnationalandinternationalNGOs.Formoreinformation,pleasevisitthewebsitehttp://www.congad.org

49

White Paper for a Sustainable Peace in Casamance

Perspectives from Women and Local Populations

white paper for a sustainable peace in casamance€¦ · together for an inclusive and transparent...

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