Recent calls for peace from leaders of the separatist rebel Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) at their annual conference in October 2003 have brought new hope to refugees and internally displaced persons in the southern Casamance region of Senegal.  These communities have suffered attacks in their home villages by both rebel and army forces as a result of the 21-year civil war.  An estimated 5,000 people have been internally displaced, 5,000 have fled to the Gambia, and 6,000 to Guinea-Bissau.  

In response to recent advances in the peace process, some refugees have begun to return home.  The full impact of the current peace talks on refugees is unknown.  Recent negotiations are also viewed as simply another episode in a slow and inconclusive peace process launched in 1991 and continuing with the signing of peace accords between rebel and government officials in 2001.  

Refugees International Consultant Veronica Zeitlin will assess the situation of refugees in the Casamance from December 10-24, 2003.  The three main objectives of the mission are: (1) to evaluate the impact of recent peace talks on the movement of refugees and internally displaced persons; (2) to identify the protection and humanitarian assistance needs of Senegalese refugees remaining in camps; and (3) to monitor the return and reintegration process for Senegalese refugees returning to their home villages.