In Senegal, we are witnessing the end of the military operations that began on May 30 in Casamance, in the south of the country. Following operations in January last year against the positions of the Mouvement des forces democratiques de Casamance (MFDC), the army claims that it is continuing its “security mission” to allow the return of people to this region plagued by the independence uprising for almost 40 years. .
With our special correspondent in Ziguinchor, Charlotte idrac
The army carried out air and ground operations about thirty kilometers southwest of Ziguinchor, near the border with Guinea-Bissau. On Monday, June 14, she organized a visit to the bases taken over the past two weeks in the Nyassia sector.
The convoy made its way through the dense forest, at the end of a newly cleared trail, a deserted camp. On the floor, pots, sacks of rice, sandals or even dirty clothes. “The risk of mines is very high. Stay together in case of an attack, warns a soldier.
Ahinda, Badem, Bagam, Bouniack, Djileor: the army has taken over everything Southern MFDC positions, according to Colonel Souleymane Kandé, commander of military zone No. 5. “Several abuses have been committed against the peoples of this area, and the armed forces are simply trying to ensure the exclusive exploitation of forest resources.”
No human toll
The border is a few hundred meters away. So has there been any operational cooperation with Guinea-Bissau? “I could not answer that question,” said the colonel. No response either to the air resources used, while a light attack aircraft flies over the area.
In Bagam, the “Bravo” combined weapons battle group took control of the base. At the helm, Lieutenant Colonel Clément Hubert Boucal. “After an intense clash, the enemy gave way and left anti-tank missiles, such as B10, five anti-personnel mines, five AK47s, etc.”
No human fee is announced. Where have the opponents gone? “They fled to Guinea-Bissau” slips a soldier … on the side of MFDC leaders in the area, radio silence.
► To also read:Casamance: a silent war without media coverage
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