Peacebuilding in Casamance: Managing the return of displaced populations and combating weapons are central concerns for stakeholders

The sensitive context of the return of displaced populations to Casamance, after decades of conflict, has motivated the mobilization of civil society actors and security forces around this issue. Discussions on managing the return of displaced persons, combined with the implementation of strategies to combat small arms, are essential for consolidating peace in the southern region.

This experience-sharing meeting was born from the collaboration between the Movement for the Fight Against Small Arms in West Africa (Malawo) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

State actors, defense and security forces, civil society organizations, and local authorities discussed the challenges related to family resettlement at this meeting. Discussions focused on land tensions, coexistence between indigenous and non-indigenous populations, and the risks of renewed conflicts that could fuel the proliferation of small arms.

“We are not coming with turnkey solutions, but to gather the experiences and proposals of the stakeholders,” explained Youssou Badi.

According to him, prevention involves preparing intermediaries, village chiefs, mediators and community leaders, in order to prevent land disputes or the exploitation of natural resources from leading to rearmament.

For his part, Lucien Nadiéline, program officer at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, recalled that the partnership with Malawo is part of a long-term approach. "It is first and foremost about reorganizing, ensuring the effective inclusion of local actors and state institutions in order to clean up the situation on the ground and promote the sustainable settlement of displaced populations," he emphasized.

Participants emphasized the need for regular reporting and advocacy with policymakers, who are often out of touch with the realities on the ground. The goal is to translate these discussions into concrete recommendations to support the return process, strengthen land governance, and consolidate peace in the region.