Editorial

The news that the separatist MFDC in Casamance welcomes the involvement of The Gambia in efforts to end the decades-long conflict in the southern Senegalese province is very encouraging. MFDC’s position on the outcome of the talks between Presidents Jammeh and Sall is a show of the confidence and trust the separatist group have on The Gambia. It also shows that they are ready for genuine talks to broker peace in Casamance.

Of course, the MDFC is aware more than anyone else that after three decades of warfare, it is disheartening to see that peace is yet to be achieved in Casamance.We hope that they would abide by the dictates of their conscience and cooperate with The Gambia as they promised, for lasting peace to come to that region.

The value of peace towards achieving lasting sustainable development cannot be overemphasised. It is described as the state of freedom from war and disturbance in our midst. People must be seen to be agents of peace and inculcate the spirit of peace in themselves and their children, and thus make this planet a better place.

The Gambia it is evident has over the years been very committed to finding a lasting peace in Casamance. President Jammehon on his part has always maintained that the longstanding conflict has devastating impacts on livelihoods, and almost killed agriculture, which is supposed to be the backbone of the region's survival.

As the MFDC itself claims, those perpetrating this conflict should knowthat the solution to the problem of Casamance is not a military one, but instead a problem to be solved at thenegotiating table. The parties to the conflict should also bear in mind that they have a birthright and inalienable obligation to build, defend, protect and promote the integrity and fundamental human rights of the people of Casamance. They must be seen to be good ambassadors of peace, promoting and defending ideals of peaceful co-existence in the region.

We have more at stake in this 21st century than violence and conflict, particularly in this part of the world.It should be an era of scientific and technological innovations to surpress global pressing issues like food and economic crisis, and other numerous problems facing the developing countries.

We therefore welcome the MFDC and all stakeholders in the Casamancecrisis to the conflict resolution process and hope that all will match their words with deeds.