Casamance

Casamance is a geographical and cultural region in the southwest of Senegal, bounded by The Gambia to the north, Guinea-Bissau to the south and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its regional capital is Ziguinchor, and the area is known for its distinct cultural identity and historical ties to the broader Manding and Diola-speaking communities.

Geographically, Casamance features tropical climate with a pronounced rainy season, mangrove forests, rivers, and coastal wetlands. The Casamance River runs through the region and empties into the Atlantic, creating fertile floodplains that support rice farming and other agriculture. The coastal zones and inland habitats sustain biodiversity and fishing activities, making the area one of Senegal’s more fertile and ecologically varied regions.

The population is dominated by the Jola (Diola) people, who speak Jola languages alongside the national languages of Senegal. Islam is the major religion, with Christian minorities and traditional beliefs also present. Jola culture is marked by distinctive social structures, agricultural practices, and artisanal traditions, including rice cultivation as a central livelihood.

Economically, Casamance relies on agriculture, notably rice, maize, vegetables, and cashew nuts, along with fishing, forestry, and increasingly tourism tied to beaches and natural landscapes. Development has historically faced challenges related to infrastructure and regional security, which have affected investment and aid delivery.

Politically, Casamance has experienced a long-running separatist movement, the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), seeking autonomy or independence since the early 1980s. The conflict has involved periods of ceasefire and negotiation, but tensions and violence have continued to influence the region's stability and development.