As part of the search for lasting peace in Casamance, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Peace, in collaboration with the Le Gabou Association, held a meeting this past weekend in Sédhiou. The gathering served as the platform to present the second phase of the Flame of Peace initiative, following the one held in Diakaye, in the Bignona department. Bringing together numerous stakeholders committed to peacebuilding, the meeting was marked by a strong appeal from Seny Badji, coordinator of the Initiative for the Reunification of the Political and Armed Wings of the MFDC (IRAPA). He urged technical and financial partners to avoid any bias towards the political or armed wings of the MFDC when allocating financial or material support.

According to him, such an approach risks creating frustrations and jeopardizing reconciliation efforts. He also urged the State to ensure that all stakeholders involved in the peace process are better taken into account. For Seny Badji, all the nation's vital forces must become more involved and draw inspiration from the example of Diakaye, whose combatants chose to lay down their arms in favor of stability and development.

He thus extended a hand to state authorities, territorial administration, local elected officials, religious and traditional leaders, civil society, the media, and technical and financial partners for a collective mobilization in favor of peace. He finally emphasized that the second stage of the Flame of Peace, scheduled for Sédhiou next November, must transform this city, the historical birthplace of the MFDC, into a land of peace, justice, and reconciliation.