Senegal Mine clearance drive in Casamance launched with Japanese-backed equipment
Senegal will take a significant step toward ending decades of instability in Casamance as the government unveils state-of-the-art mine clearance machinery, a move aimed at restoring safety, livelihoods, and confidence in the conflict-hit region.
On July 24, 2025, the equipment will be formally delivered in Mbao to the National Centre for Anti-Mine Action in Senegal (CNAMS), marking a pivotal moment in the Diomaye Plan for Casamance announced by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The initiative targets three priorities: securing areas contaminated by anti-personnel mines, enabling the return of displaced communities, and reigniting economic activities, particularly in agriculture and tourism.
The event, attended by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and Japan’s ambassador, underscores the international backing behind this operation. The machinery has been provided through Japanese cooperation under the TICAD initiative, which supports post-conflict recovery efforts across Africa.
Specially designed for rugged terrain, the equipment will first be deployed to clear 1.28 km² of land in Niaguis, Bignona, and Kafountine — areas still plagued by landmines from years of clashes between armed separatists and state forces. These contaminated zones remain perilous for farming, infrastructure, and safe resettlement.
Prime Minister Sonko’s direct involvement signals the operation’s political importance. As a native of Casamance, Sonko is personally steering the presidential plan, reflecting what officials describe as a commitment to “territorial disarmament as a governance priority, not merely a technical exercise.”
By clearing the land, the government hopes to restore trust in state institutions and normalize daily life for residents.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the demining campaign is tied to the economic revival outlined in the Diomaye Plan. Secure rural access will enable farmers to resume work, students to return to school safely, and infrastructure development to move forward.
Officials stress that this operation represents more than a symbolic gesture. By physically removing the remnants of war, Senegal aims to prevent Casamance from remaining a “declared peace zone” in name only, ensuring displaced families and former combatants can achieve lasting reintegration.
The Mbao launch will serve not only as the start of technical decontamination but also as a declaration of intent: rebuilding Casamance from the ground up.
About The Author
