Senegal Highlights

A Brief Overview of Key Moments in Senegal

1960

Independence

Senegal proclaimed its independence, Leopold Sedar Senghor became the first President of the Republic.

1962

Senegalese Red Cross

Senegalese Red Cross was established. A year later, it was recognised and became a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

1991

ICRC Delegation

The ICRC officially opened a regional delegation in Dakar having worked in the region for several years. Today the delegation covers Senegal, the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde.

2006

Mine incident

An ICRC car hit a mine in Casamance and a delegate, Jeanie-Waddell-Fournier was killed.

INSIDER TIPS

What is Senegal known for

Population

16.7 M

Known for its “Teranga”, hospitality, in Wolof language, this country of 16,7 million inhabitants is characterised by harmonious cohabitation of dozens of ethnic groups and different religions i.e. Islam, Christianity and animism.

Economic activity

Gold

Economic activities mainly revolve around mining, tourism, fishing and agriculture. Natural resources include gold, gas, copper, phosphates, zircon and oil.

Arts & Culture

Art & Culture

The Dak'Art Biannual Festival and the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival have an international cultural reputation. A major figure in world music, Youssou N'Dour, remains one of the greatest ambassadors of African music in the world.

World heritage

7

Senegal has seven sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They include; the island of Gorée, the island of Saint-Louis, the Djoudj National Park, the Niokolo Koba National Park, the megalithic circles of Sine Ngayène and Wanar (Nioro du Rip), the Saloum Delta and the Bassari country.

Humanitarian Needs

Community at the heart of our operations

Casamance, a natural region in the south of Senegal is marked by a crisis that dates back more than 30 years which is between the State of Senegal and the separatist armed groups claiming to be members of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC). Although the conflict has been of low intensity for several years, it has nevertheless engendered different humanitarian needs. The population that was forced to flee the violence abandoned their homes, property, livestock and fields. In addition, there are restrictions on movement caused by the isolation of villages along the borders, which makes selling their fruits or vegetables problematic. This isolation is reinforced by the presence of mines and explosive remnants of war. Despite this, communities remain hopeful that their region will soon return to its former prosperity and demonstrate an extraordinary capacity for resilience in their daily lives.

ICRC ACTION

Methods of Implementation

In Casamance, the ICRC has for a few years worked with communities to strengthen their resilience, an approach that allows them to face vulnerable situations caused by the conflict. Dialogue identifies issues related primarily to the communities’ protection, such as violations of international humanitarian law, and to mobilize these them to jointly implement a multidisciplinary humanitarian response. These activities, aimed at improving the stability and economic and security conditions of communities, include support for household incomes in the form of social safety nets. Our activities also include support for food production, construction of village wells and market gardens, development of water catchment areas and construction of upgraded latrines. In partnership with the Senegalese Red Cross, we also contribute to the re-establishment of family ties and the psycho-social support of hundreds of families of missing migrants.

Learn more about ICRC’s humanitarian action in Senegal

Achievements

In 2020, the ICRC

Assistance

21,133 villagers received hygiene kits and donations of 43 pumps for 63 villages to face Covid-19, 860 households had access to village support funds and family baskets, 125 women were trained on techniques for vegetable crops and 4,500 people benefitted from the construction of dkkes, latrines and improved access to drinking water.

Cooperation

6,703 volunteers were mobilised against Covid-19

Promotion of IHL

Raised awareness of 3383 people about International Humanitarian Law and the work of the ICRC.

Support for families of missing migrants

Accompanied 101 families of missing migrants, to meet their psychological, psychosocial, socio-economic, administrative and legal needs.