Senegal: Soldiers killed due to landmine blast in Casamance region June 15 /update 1

Event

A landmine blast on Monday, June 15, killed at least two Senegalese soldiers and injured two others between Mbissine and Diagon in the Ziguinchor department (Casamance region). The incident occurred while the soldiers were participating in an operation to escort civilians back to villages previously abandoned amid separatist violence in the region. Eight soldiers were previously injured by a landmine on Saturday, June 13, in the Bignona department (Casamance region).

The incidents highlight the continued threat posed by explosive remnants of war (ERWs) leftover from previous conflicts.

Context

The region has previously been the site of a low-intensity separatist insurgency and, although the main separatist groups have signed ceasefire agreements, occasional attacks against security forces still occur. Thousands of landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain in the Casamance region following the decades-long conflict. Although demining efforts by government forces and other international organizations continue, ERW continues to pose a threat, particularly in the Ziguinchor and Bignona departments.

Advice

Those with operational requirements in the Casamance region are advised to conduct a thorough localized threat assessment prior to travel and coordinate journeys with a trusted security provider. Travelers should monitor local media sources to remain apprised of security-related developments in their particular area of operations. Those traveling in the Casamance region are advised to minimize travel off of well-used paved routes and urban centers due to the risk from ERW. Travelers should never approach or touch any unfamiliar objects that may be ERW but immediately report any such objects to police or security forces.