The hot news in Senegal today revolves around the release of a book by French historian Séverine Awenengo Dalberto on Casamance, the southern region of the country in the grip of a long crisis. Entitled “The Idea of Autonomous Casamance – Possibilities and Moral Debts of the Colonial Situation in Senegal”, this work sparked a lively controversy even before its presentation, which was ultimately cancelled.
This cancellation follows virulent criticism emanating in particular from the Alliance for the Republic, the former ruling party in Senegal. According to this party, the content of the book jeopardizes national unity and calls into question the progress made for peace in Casamance. A reaction deemed excessive by some, including Senegalese academic Ibrahima Thioub, for whom addressing the issue of Casamance’s autonomy should not be subject to censorship.
Casamance, a landlocked region separated from the rest of Senegal by Gambia, was the scene of separatist conflicts in the 1990s, leaving deep economic and social scars. Despite efforts to restore peace, the issue of autonomy remains sensitive in the country, taboo subjects that are difficult to discuss calmly.
The banning of this book is part of a line of censorship, recalling the case of a previous book banned in 2010. This repressive attitude on the part of political authorities towards academic work illustrates, according to some observers, a complex, even conflictual relationship between the academic world and the political world.
In response to this controversy, some local actors have announced initiatives to revive the economy of Casamance and encourage the return of displaced persons. However, the issue of autonomy remains a delicate subject, requiring open and constructive dialogue to consider sustainable solutions for the region.
Ultimately, it is crucial to recognize and accept the diversity of opinions and ideas, even those that are disturbing. The debate of ideas is essential to move societies forward and build a better future for all. Let us hope that this controversy will serve as a catalyst for constructive dialogue and in-depth reflection on the future of Casamance and Senegal as a whole.