CASAMANCE REBELS SKIRMISH IN THE GAMBIA

UNCLAS BANJUL 000449 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DAKAR PLEASE PASS TO ODC, DAO, AND RAO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PINS PREF SG GA SUBJECT: CASAMANCE REBELS SKIRMISH IN THE GAMBIA ¶1. (SBU) Post received a note verbale addressed to all diplomatic missions in The Gambia, dated August 16, from the Department of State (Ministry) for Foreign Affairs, documenting two casualties (one death) from an encounter between rival Senegalese rebel groups along the Casamance border on July 31. The note indicates that a skirmish occurred between the Jakai and Salif Sarjo rebels in the vicinity of Bai Pol Village in Foni Kansala, a constituency in the Western Division of The Gambia, resulting in civilian casualties. This was reportedly documented by senior Gambian officials who visited the village. One of the villagers was hit in the arm by a bullet, while another was hit in the chest and killed. Enclosed with the note were rather gruesome pictures of the victims and their wounds. ¶2. (SBU) The note verbale also conveys to the Senegalese authorities the GOTG's "grave concern over the incident, particularly the loss of life," and stated that the GOTG "will no longer tolerate such incidents." -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶3. (SBU) This is the first Post has heard of the reported incident. It appears the shootings were not intentional, but the uncharacteristic note verbale to all diplomatic missions and gruesome photos seems to indicate the GOTG is trying to milk the incident for international sympathy in the ongoing Casamance dance between Senegal and The Gambia. We will report on any further information we receive. END COMMENT BACHMAN