The return of people to several villages in northern Sindian, in the Bignona department, has been intensifying each year since the significant lull in violence in 2022, although in some areas residents remain hesitant to return. This return of displaced populations, accelerated by numerous government initiatives, is now marked by the implementation of the Diomaye Plan for Casamance. This plan aims to further support the peace process in this region, which has been ravaged by four decades of crisis.

The initiative was welcomed by the populations already returning to North Sindian. However, the ineffective demining in several areas still raises concerns about the large-scale return of residents. These displaced people need an adequate water supply to properly carry out all their daily tasks.

In Djigoudiar, kilometers from the town of Sindian, the people, after 20 years of exile, began their return journey in 2022.

The inhabitants of this village welcomed the Diomaye Plan for Casamance, according to Ibou Badji, a resident of Djigoudiar, in North Sindian.

"The urgent issue in Djigoudjar is water. We struggle to access a large quantity. We wanted to grow vegetables on the side to improve the quality of our food, but we have difficulty using this water. When there isn't enough for drinking, then we can't use it for anything else," said the gentleman.

Furthermore, Ibou Badji reports that they live in insecurity due to the lack of complete decontamination of the mine area.

"Regarding demining, they came to work, but in practice, they did not clear any mines. We are going about our business, while keeping a close eye on these devices. For the moment, there has been no damage," he said.

The youth share this sentiment. The president believes it is imperative to clear the area of mines for the safety of the population.

"The area must be cleared of mines. Because this area has been abandoned for about twenty years," declared Abdou Badji, youth president of Djigoudiar, North Sindian

In the village of Katimorou Kayagol, the return has not yet begun. Only the village chief has taken the initiative to return home to encourage the villagers to do the same. Zakaria Diédhiou, chief of the village of Katimorou Kayagol Nord Sindian, reports that five neighborhoods in the village are facing water supply problems.

"In Katimorou Kayagol, there are five neighborhoods. These are Katinoro, on the other side there is Kaigoro, i Tambaf, Bassène and Djjwenki. There are five neighborhoods that are far apart. The priority here first is water. I come here to draw water, it is the soldiers who help me," said the village chief of Katimorou Kayagol.

He explains that the people want to return regardless of the situation.

Iba Sané, Director General of ANRAC, the agency that oversees the technical executions of the steering committee of the Diomaye Plan for Casamance, wanted to provide details on demining.

"Demining is a matter entrusted to CNAMS, not ANRAC. And since the end of October, Handicap International or Humanity Inclusion has stopped its activities. So, there are no more relocations at the moment in Casamance. It is a persistent issue, because today some villages cannot return until the issue of demining, until the land polluted by mines is cleared," explained the Director General of the National Agency for the Revival of Economic and Social Activities in Casamance.

Iba Sané welcomed the ANRAC supervisory board's field visit to understand the issues and help in making certain decisions, especially in the implementation of the Diomaye Plan for Casamance.