Bissau: The Senegalese government and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) signed a peace agreement on Sunday in Bissau, facilitated by the mediation of Bissau-Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The agreement aims to put an end to hostilities, demobilize fighters, and assist in their social reintegration.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the representative of the MFDC's southern front were the signatories of the agreement. This document reaffirms commitments made in a prior agreement signed on August 4, 2022, also in Bissau, where both parties expressed their dedication to ceasing hostilities to establish lasting peace in Senegal's Casamance region.

"Guinea-Bissau and Senegal must work together to promote peace in Casamance, because the instability of this region affects us all," Sonko stated during the signing ceremony in the capital of Guinea-Bissau.

President Embalo of Guinea-Bissau shared his satisfaction with the meeting and the signing of the agreement. He emphasized the importance of Senegal's stability, asserting that any instability in Senegal would have direct repercussions on Guinea-Bissau, and vice versa.

The conflict between the Senegalese government and MFDC rebels has persisted since 1982.