IOM, Gambia Red Cross distribute items to communities affected by Casamance conflict
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS) have distributed non-food items to over 1,700 people affected by the armed conflict in Senegal’s Casamance Region.
According to a statement, essential supplies were provided to 160 households in the most affected districts of Bintang Karanai, Bondali and Kansala in the West Coast Region’s Foni area, which have extremely porous borders with Senegal.
The items included blankets, buckets, cups, jerry cans, kettles, mats, mosquito nets and soap.
In January, clashes broke out along the Gambian-Senegalese border in territories occupied by the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) in a conflict that dates back four decades.
The clashes have so far led to the displacement of over 3,800 Senegalese, the internal displacement of over 6,200 Gambians, and an additional 8,500 affected in host communities.
The statement added that as a result of the continued instability, IOM is further leveraging its capacities in mental health and psychosocial support by providing psychological first aid to those in need.
-0- PANA MSS/MA 11May2022
