By: Professor Alhagi Manta Drammeh (FHEA, FRSA, FCC, UK)
History has repeatedly shown that war is a zero‑sum game—an admission of diplomatic failure in which no party truly emerges victorious. The conflict in Casamance stands as a stark reminder of this truth. For more than four decades, the region has endured a protracted and unresolved struggle, largely due to a lack of sustained political will. Since 1982, the confrontation between the Government of Senegal and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) has persisted, leaving behind a legacy of loss, displacement, and underdevelopment.
Today, however, a new political climate offers renewed hope. With a clear commitment from national leadership, the prospect of a definitive resolution to the Casamance question has never been more attainable. The population is exhausted by conflict, by the destruction of livelihoods, and by the constant uncertainty that has shaped daily life for generations. In this context, the initiative known as Le Plan de Diomaye pour la Casamance represents a pivotal opportunity to usher in both peace and development for a region long affected by marginalization and the consequences of short‑sighted political decisions.
Casamance is not a peripheral territory; it is an integral and vibrant part of the Republic of Senegal. Its agricultural richness, cultural heritage, and strategic location give it immense potential to contribute to national economic growth and social cohesion. Unlocking this potential requires stability, investment, and a genuine commitment to inclusive development.
President Diomaye’s tour of Casamance from 20 to 25 December 2025 must be understood within this broader context. More than a symbolic gesture, the visit served as an on‑the‑ground assessment of public policy implementation and the progress of major development projects in this strategically vital region. It also sought to invigorate local economic recovery by engaging directly with business leaders, community representatives, and youth groups to better understand the challenges they face.
Expectations among the people of Casamance are high. They hope that this presidential tour will accelerate the modernization of long‑neglected infrastructure, improve access to essential services, and strengthen national efforts to combat youth unemployment—one of the most pressing social issues in the region.
Ultimately, these initiatives by the Senegalese Government promise to foster a new era of social justice, equity, and stability across the country. A durable peace would also pave the way for the reintegration of former MFDC combatants into the national army and other security institutions, in accordance with agreements reached by both parties. Such steps are essential for reconciliation and for building a unified Senegal in which all citizens feel represented and protected.
The transition from polemics to pragmatism in addressing the Casamance question marks a turning point—one that could finally transform decades of conflict into a future defined by peace, dignity, and shared prosperity.
