Senegal releases 30 arrested at MFDC headquarters
Ziguinchor authorities freed detainees after dismantling the political wing's base in Casamance.
30 people arrested during the Tuesday dismantling of the political wing's headquarters of the Movement of the Forces of Casamance (MFDC) in Ziguinchor, Senegal, have been released. The security source confirmed that the last detainees were freed on Wednesday following instructions from the public prosecutor of Ziguinchor. The operation saw gendarmes enter the site, erase MFDC inscriptions, and seize documents, sound equipment, and chairs.
A source close to the MFDC stated that two individuals remained in custody, differing from the initial report of 30 arrests. Images from local media showed gendarmes at the headquarters, which served as the base for the MFDC's political wing in Casamance. This region has been the scene of a conflict for independence since December 1982.
The seized documents are being analyzed for information related to past or future rebel actions. Local media also reported the confiscation of mobile phones and MFDC flags. The operation occurred on the anniversary of the death of rebel figure Abdou Elinkine Diatta in 2019.
Why it matters30 people arrested during a security operation in Ziguinchor have been released, impacting those directly involved in the MFDC's political activities.