The archbishop of Dakar Cardinal Theodore Adrien Sarr has appealed to the Senegalese government; the MFDC rebels and neighboring countries like Guinea Bissau and the Gambia to join their efforts and collectively bring a definitive end to the 30 year old civil war in Casamance.
Speaking to worshiper during a Sunday mass at the St. Anthony Cathedral Church in Ziguinchor on the first of January 2012 said the his visit to the region is purposely to pray for lasting peace in Casamance and the Senegal as a whole.
Cardinal emphasized the need for the parties involved in the conflict which include the MFDC separatist movement and Senegalese government and its neighbors to dialogue resolve the protracted civil war in the region.
According Bishop Sarr; ‘Fire cannot be extinguished with fire" adding that the Casamance crisis has led to many serious social problems in the country. He lamented his discomfort over the high number of deaths and further called on the MFDC separatist to lay down their arms.
He stressed that a major constraint affecting development in the Casamance region is its armed separatist struggle that has lead to a sharp decline in the economic and social well being of the population. He called for dialogue between the protagonists in the conflict which said has lasted for too long.
He further calls on the Senegalese government and its neighboring countries Guinea Bissau and the Gambia to take proactive approach to restore peace in Casamance.


He says ‘‘let’s encourage our children; young people and nurture respect for culture of peace and respect for other,’’ he said 'You are like the backbone for the recovery of our dear Casamance. Without you, our efforts will be futile. You suffer the consequences of this war more than anyone. Help us, I beg you,’’ he urged the women of Casamance.


More bloodshed
According Radio Future Media (RFM); a policeman was killed Monday morning by an armed group believed to be the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), in an attack on a Senegalese Gendarmerie post to Afignam Bignona in the department. The attack was also seriously injured according to