Become part of the world’s biggest dialogue experiment.

Find out how you can get involved
  1. Home
  2. Africa

Casamance

Atrocities in nearby Liberia and Sierra Leone have stolen the regional headlines over the years, but the low-intensity separatist struggle in Casamance is West Africa’s longest-running civil conflict

Casamance Senegal

Three decades of on-and-off separatist conflict in Senegal's southern region of Casamance have killed thousands of people, displaced tens of thousands more, crippled the rural-based economy and turned large tracts of territory into no-go zones due to landmines.

A ceasefire was declared last year by an important rebel leader, but even if it holds, grievances and resentment linger and underlying socio-economic problems threaten to consign another generation of Casamançais to living like second-class citizens in one of Africa's supposed beacons of democracy.

Casamance Timeline

Special Features

Between war and peace
Tom Burke/Flickr

Between war and peace

Senegal has a proud musical heritage, but in the southern region of Casamance they too often sing of pain, suffering and conflict without end.

Landmines in Senegal
jbdodane/Flickr

Why landmines keep on killing in Senegal

“Demining in the Casamance region could be done in six months.” It is a bold claim, but Chris Natale speaks from experience garnished with frustration.

Film: No War, No Peace

A largely unknown conflict goes on in Senegal.

Timeline: Casamance

Casamance Timeline

Back to Forgotten Conflicts

Share this article

Hundreds of thousands of readers trust The New Humanitarian each month for quality journalism that contributes to more effective, accountable, and inclusive ways to improve the lives of people affected by crises.

Our award-winning stories inform policymakers and humanitarians, demand accountability and transparency from those meant to help people in need, and provide a platform for conversation and discussion with and among affected and marginalised people.

We’re able to continue doing this thanks to the support of our donors and readers like you who believe in the power of independent journalism. These contributions help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.

Show your support as we build the future of news media by becoming a member of The New Humanitarian. 

Become a member of The New Humanitarian

Support our journalism and become more involved in our community. Help us deliver informative, accessible, independent journalism that you can trust and provides accountability to the millions of people affected by crises worldwide.

Join