On an economic tour of the south of the country, the Head of State visited Dar Salam on Sunday, December 21, 2025. In this symbolic land, marked by the demining process and the return of displaced persons, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye officially extended an olive branch to the various factions of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) to seal a lasting peace.

The President of the Republic's message is clear: the time has come for reconstruction and reconciliation.

“Casamance has suffered too much, and with it, Senegal. It is time for this remarkable natural region to regain its economic and cultural dynamism, and the joie de vivre that characterizes it,” he declared. Describing his appeal as “an outstretched hand to his brothers and sisters,” he reaffirmed the State’s commitment to facilitating the definitive laying down of arms for a “sincere, frank, lasting, and definitive reconciliation.”

Displaying unwavering determination, the President urged the remaining hesitant fighters to join the negotiating table. "I am taking this opportunity to call on all my brothers and sisters in the rebellion to join the peace process underway with factions with whom we have already achieved encouraging results," the Head of State declared.

The "Diomaye Plan": a satisfactory but demanding initial assessment

The Head of State took advantage of this opportunity to commend the work of the National Agency for the Revival of Economic and Social Activities in Casamance (ANRAC), the National Center for Mine Action (CNAMS) and international partners such as Handicap International (Humanity & Inclusion).

Launched in October 2024, the "Diomaye Plan for Casamance" currently boasts an average implementation rate of 39%. While the President considers these results "satisfactory" for the first year, he remains demanding for the future. He announced increased resources for ANRAC and the Emergency Program for the Modernization of Border Areas and Territories (PUMA) to ensure the empowerment of populations returning to their villages.

Concluding his visit on a note of hope and political philosophy, Bassirou Diomaye Faye reiterated that "peace is worth every sacrifice." For him, working on hearts and minds is essential to healing the gaping wounds left by decades of conflict. "We must always work towards reconciliation to prevent differences from escalating into open conflicts that create wounds difficult to heal, both in terms of social cohesion and the resulting trauma," he stated.

This visit to Dar Salam marks a turning point in the management of the Casamance issue, placing social development and the inclusion of rebel factions at the heart of the state's strategy for lasting stability.