By Adama Makasuba
The National Disaster Management Agency disclosed that more than 2000 children are among displaced people that fled from the ongoing Casamance fight between Senegalese troops and MFDC rebels.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) said in its latest infographic that “2,029 children under the age of 5 are currently displaced in Foni due to the MFDC-Senegalese army conflict in Casamance.
The NDMA infographic specified that: “total of 9,973 are currently affected with 5,626 internally displaced, 2,029 of which are children under 5 years; 7,044 students affected; 374 pregnant and lactating women affected, 691 refugees and 3,656 host families.
It explained that: “On the 13th March, around 13:45 GMT the Senegalese launched a military operation in the southern region of Senegal (Casamance) impacting all the Gambian border communities in Foni and the nearby districts. The districts affected in Foni are Kansala, Bintang Karanai, Berefet, Jarrol and Bondali. The population displacement is as result of the clashes between Senegalese soldiers and the MFDC separatist movement. While the attack and clashes are in Senegal bullets have landed in The Gambia, causing panic and displacement of populations along all Gambian border villages and some Senegalese villages in Casamance moving into The Gambia.”
“The population displacement is as result of the clash between Senegalese soldiers and the MFDC. While the clash was taking place in Senegal, bullet shells have reportedly landed in the border communities, causing panic and displacement among them with some Senegalese villages in the Casamance also moving into The Gambia.”
Meanwhile, more than ten thousand people are known to have fled their homes since the fighting broke out 13th March 2022. At least 300 pregnant women and lactating mothers and 700 school going children are also among distanced and refugees fleeing the conflict.