Global Overview 2012: People internally displaced by conflict and violence - Senegal

Sporadic violence in Senegal's southern Casamance region caused displacements during 2012, while limited access to land and livelihoods continued to prevent those displaced in previous years from achieving durable solutions.

Nearly 200 people were reportedly displaced in February by clashes in Bignona district between the Senegalese army and the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC). It was unknown whether those affected had returned to their place of origin as of the end of the year, but recent displacements tend to have been short-term, with people sheltering close to their homes and returning when the situation calms down. The overall number of IDPs in Casamance is estimated at between 20,000 and 40,000.

The demining of villages and farmland during the year encouraged some people to return, but the sustainability of the process was undermined by a lack of basic services and infrastructure. In a number of districts the presence of mines continued to put returning IDPs and host communities at risk.

Prospects for ending the 30-year conflict were raised at the end the year by a new round of peace talks under the aegis of Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome.

In recent years, most government assistance for IDPs has formed part of broader reconstruction and development programmes, but such initiatives do not attend to their specific needs. The National Agency for the Revival of Economic and Social Activities in Casamance (ANRAC) provided some financial assistance and livelihood training in Kolda region.

International agencies, notably ICRC, provided assistance in the form of humanitarian aid, food, and the restoration of water and health care infrastructure. Demining responsibilities were transferred from Handicap International to Norwegian People's Aid and a private South African company. As of the end of 2012, Senegal was still to ratify the Kampala Convention.