Table of Contents

Country Reports

LM Report 2003

Français Mine Ban Policy Production, Transfer, Stockpiling, and Use Landmine Problem Mine Clearance Mine Risk Education Landmine Casualties Survivor Assistance

Senegal

Key developments since May 2002: A mine clearance plan has been developed, to be carried out in three phases over a five-year period. In 2002, Handicap International provided mine risk education training to 375 agents, and a total of 59,583 people were reached with MRE activities. In 2002, at least 56 new mine casualties were reported.

Mine Ban Policy

Senegal signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997, ratified it on 24 September 1998 and became a State Party on 1 March 1999. The National Commission on Small Arms is responsible for the mine issue. There is no specific implementation legislation, but violations of Mine Ban Treaty provisions would be sanctioned by national constitutional law and the 2001 Penal Code.^[1] The Penal Code is under revision.^[2]

As of July 2003, Senegal’s annual Article 7 transparency report update, due on 30 April 2003, had not been posted by the United Nations.^[3]

Senegal participated in the Fourth Meeting of States Parties in September 2002. As chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), it presented to delegates the ECOWAS project “Zero Mines in West Africa in 2012.” The project aims to develop an institutional context that facilitates compliance with and implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty by all ECOWAS member states; it calls for destruction of all antipersonnel mine stockpiles of member states by December 2004 and for a mine-free ECOWAS by December 2012. Senegal stated it would launch the project before the end of 2003.^[4]

On 22 November 2002, Senegal voted in favor of UN General Assembly Resolution 57/74 calling for universalization and implementation of the Mine Ban Treaty. Senegal attended the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in February and May 2003.

Senegal is a party to Amended Protocol II of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) and attended the CCW meeting in Geneva in December 2002.

In March 2003, during the Week for Peace organized by the regional press association of Ziguinchor, the mine issue was a major topic, particularly the issues of public awareness of landmines and survivor assistance.

Production, Transfer, Stockpiling, and Use

Senegal states that it has never produced, transferred or stockpiled antipersonnel mines.^[5] In March 2003, a Ministry of Defense official told Landmine Monitor that in 2001, the Senegalese navy intercepted a ship in its territorial waters, destined for Angola, containing antipersonnel mines.^[6] Landmine Monitor was unable to learn more details about the incident or the current status of the mines.

In September 2002, Senegal stated that it will not allow transit or stockpiling of antipersonnel mines on its territory.^[7]

In the Banjul Declaration of 26 December 1999, the Senegalese government and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MDFC) committed themselves to stop using antipersonnel landmines. Landmine Monitor previously reported ongoing use of antipersonnel mines and antivehicle mines by MDFC rebels in Casamance until early 2001.^[8] There have been no confirmed reports of use in this reporting period.^[9]

Landmine Problem

Both regions of Casamance province, Ziguinchor and Kolda, are mine-affected. The most mine-affected area is Niaguis, Nyassia in the south of Casamance.^[10] The mine problem seriously affects the economic development of Casamance, having an impact on agriculture, fishing, transport of goods and services, and tourism.^[11] In a study conducted by Handicap International in 2002 in the Diattacounda district of Casamance, 70 percent of those interviewed indicated that their movement was restricted because of landmines.^[12] The presence of mines reportedly also hampers donor and NGO efforts in the region.^[13]

In its 2002 Article 7 Report, the government for the first time identified the types of mines found in Senegal: EXPAL, PMN, TM46, PRB ENCRIER, and K 35 BG.^[14]

Mine Clearance

The director of the military engineers stated that systematic humanitarian mine clearance remains impossible as long as there is no peace agreement with rebel forces.^[15] A mine clearance plan has been developed, with the support of the French military, which would be carried out in three phases over a five-year period.^[16] Priority for mine clearance would be to ensure safe agricultural production and distribution in the Casamance region. The annual budget is estimated at FCFA600 million (US$973,080).^[17]

The Army has occasionally conducted mine clearance in the regions of Ziguinchor and Kolda for strategic reasons or to allow people to go back to their homes.^[18] In its April 2002 Article 7 Report, the government reported that 133 antipersonnel mines, 47 antivehicle mines, and three “mixed” mines have been destroyed as a result of such operations.^[19]

Mine Risk Education

Handicap International (HI) is the main provider of mine risk education (MRE) in Casamance.^[20] HI’s Mine Risk Education Program (PEPAM) educates people in affected areas through community and school activities. In 2002, 218 new MRE agents were trained and another 157 received additional training. A total of 59,583 people were reached with MRE activities. Handicap International reports that MRE activities reach all of Casamance.^[21] HI also provides MRE through two radio stations.^[22]

In 2002, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, HI engaged in the training of schoolteachers to integrate MRE in the curriculum of all schools in Casamance. HI recruited a school inspector for that purpose. A total of 1,362 teachers were involved.^[23]

In July 2002, HI launched an evaluation of the effects of its MRE program in two districts of Casamance (Tendouck and Diattacounda). Based on the KAPB (Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices) method, the evaluation concluded that there is a need for more MRE, marking and clearance. When asked what attitude to adopt when a child brings them an unexploded device, 53 percent described risky behaviour. When asked how to recognize a mined area, 69 percent provided incomplete or wrong answers.^[24]

The HI Ziguinchor budget for 2002 for MRE was FCFA90 million ($130,000).^[25]

In 2001 and 2002, the Center for Infantile and Family Guidance, an NGO based in Casamance, conducted sensitization sessions in schools on children's rights, where child landmine survivors testified.^[26]

Landmine Casualties

In 2002, 48 new mine casualties were recorded by HI; six people were killed and 42 injured, including three children.^[27] In an unrecorded incident, in March 2002, a landmine explosion killed eight people, including a Gambian national near Bulluf.^[28] In 2001, 56 new casualties were also reported including eight killed and 48 injured.^[29]

Casualties continue to be reported in 2003 with three people killed and twelve injured in mine and UXO incidents to 19 June 2003.^[30]

HI has recorded 636 mine and UXO casualties in Casamance between 1996 and June 2003, including 149 killed and 486 injured. One additional mine casualty was recorded in 1988.^[31] It is believed that the reported figures on mine casualties may not reflect the true reality of the number of new landmine/UXO casualties in the region because of the influence of Islamic practice (burials take place as soon as possible after a death) and the absence of death registries.^[32]

Senegal reported 89 antipersonnel mines, 59 antivehicle mines, one “mixed” mine and four other ordnance had been victim activated in the period 1 January 2001 to 1 April 2002.^[33]

Survivor Assistance

Due to a lack of national resources, assistance to mine survivors is limited.^[34] Military mine casualties are sent to the military hospital in Dakar, after having received first aid.^[35] Prosthetics and rehabilitation services are provided at the Ziguinchor hospital and the Centre d’Appareillage orthopédique (Center of Orthopedic Appliances) in Dakar. In 2002, the rehabilitation department at Ziguinchor Hospital assisted 938 people, which included the fitting of 81 prostheses, and distribution of 200 walking sticks and other assistive devices.^[36]

In Casamance, in addition to data collection, HI supported the decentralization of the orthopedic surgery and physical rehabilitation services at the Ziguinchor hospital. Two departmental centers were created in Bignona and Oussouye, the two chief towns of the departments.^[37] In 2002, six orthopedic technicians (two in Ziguinchor, two in Oussouye and two in Bignona) and one physiotherapist were trained in new techniques. HI’s socio-economic reintegration program for people with a disability includes income generating micro-projects and support of associations of the disabled. In 2002, HI directly assisted 21 mine survivors with vocational training and equipment to start small businesses. In addition, HI paid the costs of prostheses, crutches, wheelchairs or tricycles for 50 mine survivors. In October 2002, HI started a psycho-social support program for war victims.^[38]

The Senegalese Association of Mine Victims (Association Sénégalaise des Victimes de Mines) comprises of 706 mine survivors and family members of people killed by landmines in Ziguinchor and Kolda. The association works to empower mine survivors and facilitate their social and economic reintegration. Women who have been abandoned by their husbands because of their disability receive special attention. In 2002, it directly assisted 113 people, and 46 children received school supplies. The association is supported by the World Food Program, the local NGOs RADDHO (Rencontre Africaine des Droits de l'Homme - African Meeting of Human Rights), CONGAD (Conseil des Organisations Non-Gouvernementals d'Appui au Développement - Council of NGOs for Development Support) and AMA (Agence des Musulmans - Agency of Muslims).^[39]

The Center for Child and Family Guidance (Centre de Guidance Infantile et Familiale), a NGO based in Casamance, provides psycho-social support for child victims of war and their families, including landmine survivors.^[40] In 2001 and 2002, the center organized sessions in schools on children's rights, where child mine survivors shared their experiences. The center has been supported by OXFAM-UK and CONGAD. In 2002, however, the program was threatened with closure following a decrease in financial support.^[41]

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[1] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 429.
[2] Interview with Col. Moctar Ndoye, Director of Study Control and Legislation, Ministry of Armed Forces, Dakar, 26 March 2003.
[3] Landmine Monitor has a copy of the report, received from the Senegalese UN mission in New York, with a cover letter to the UN Secretary-General dated 6 May 2003. The report has a submission date of 31 March 2003, and covers calendar year 2002. Senegal submitted its first Article 7 Report on 1 September 1999 (for 1 March-30 August 1999), and updates on 27 March 2001 (for calendar year 2000) and 22 April 2002 (for 1 January 2001-1 April 2002).
[4] Statement of Col. Abdoulaye Aziz Ndao, Director of Study Control and Legislation, Ministry of Armed Forces, and Papa Diop, Director of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Union and Senegalese Abroad, to the Fourth Meeting of States Parties, Geneva, 18 September 2002. In an interview with them on the same day, Ndao and Diop said that Canada has contributed C$5 million to this initiative.
[5] Article 7 Report, 22 April 2002.
[6] Interview with Col. Ousseynou Sarr, Director of Military Engineering, Ministry of Defense, Dakar, 22 March 2003.
[7] Statement by Col. Abdoulaye Aziz Ndao, Fourth Meeting of States Parties, 18 September 2002.
[8] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 430.
[9] One article alleged that antipersonnel mines, mainly improvised explosive devices, have been used near Bignona, on the border with the Gambia. “Sénégal, en attendant la Paix,” Jeune Afrique/l'Intelligent, 2-8 September 2002, p. 18.
[10] Interview with Colonel Ousmane Sarr, Ministry of Defense, Dakar, 12 January 2001.
[11] Interview with Jean-Claude Bassene, President, and Bakary Diédhiou, Secretary, Senegalese Association of Mine Victims, Ziguinchor, 12 March 2003; Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 431.
[12] HI, “PEPAM en Casamance, Sénégal. Evaluation des effets,” September 2002.
[13] US Department of State, “To Walk the Earth in Safety,” September 2002.
[14] Article 7 Report, Form C, 22 April 2002. EXPAL is listed as Portuguese, but is a Spanish manufacturer. The TM 46 is a Russian antivehicle mine. The PRB ENCRIER is listed as Russian, but is likely Belgian. The K 35 BG is listed as French, but is likely the Belgian M-35.
[15] Interview with Col. Abdoulaye Aziz Ndao, Ministry of Armed Forces, Geneva, 29 May 2002.
[16] Interview with Col. Ousamane Sarr, Director of the Corps of Military Engineers, Dakar, 22 March 2003.
[17] Response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire by Col. Ousamane Sarr, Director of the Corps of Military Engineers, 27 March 2003.
[18] Interview with Col. Abdoulaye Aziz Ndao, Ministry of Armed Forces, Geneva, 29 May 2002.
[19] Article 7 Report, Forms C and G, 22 April 2002.
[20] Interview with Col. Abdoulaye Aziz Ndao, Ministry of Armed Forces, 29 May 2002.
[21] Interview with Doudou Fall, Program Officer, Handicap International Ziguinchor, 13-14 March 2003.
[22] HI, “PEPAM en Casamance, Sénégal,” September 2002.
[23] Interview with Doudou Fall, HI, 13-14 March 2003.
[24] HI, “PEPAM en Casamance, Sénégal,” September 2002.
[25] Interview with Doudou Fall, HI, 13-14 March 2003; response to Landmine Monitor questionnaire, 27 March 2003.
[26] Interview with Emile Diémé, Representative of the Centre de Guidance Infantile et Familiale, Ziguinchor, 12 March 2003.
[27] Handicap International Ziguinchor, “Number of victims of mines and UXO in Casamance from 1998 until 19 June 2003,” information provided in email to Landmine Monitor (HIB) from Petra Schroeter, Desk Officer for Senegal, Handicap International, 11 July 2003.
[28] “Eight killed in landmine explosion,” The Independent (Gambian newspaper), 15 March 2002.
[29] HI, “Victims of mines and UXO in Casamance till 28 November 2002,” information provided to Landmine Monitor on 18 March 2003.
[30] HI, “Victims of mines and UXO in Casamance,” 11 July 2003.
[31] HI, “Victims of mines and UXO in Casamance,” 18 March 2003.
[32] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 432.
[33] Article 7 Report, Form C, 22 April 2002.
[34] See Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 101.
[35] Interview with Léon Sagna, Physiotherapist, Interim Director, Regional Hospital, Ziguinchor, 17 March 2003.
[36] Ibid.
[37] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, pp. 432-433.
[38] Interview with Sophie Wyseur Gaye, Coordinator, Handicap International Ziguinchor, Ziguinchor, 18 March 2003; email from Petra Schroeter, HI, 11 July 2003.
[39] Interview with Jean-Claude Bassene, President, and Bakary Diédhiou, Secretary, Senegalese Association of Mine Victims, Ziguinchor, 12 March 2003.
[40] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 432.
[41] Interview with Emile Diémé, Center for Child and Family Guidance, Ziguinchor, 12 March 2003.