A ghost village since 1992 following an attack by the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), Djirack has been coming back to life since the early 2000s. Less than ten years after the destruction of almost all its homes, this locality in the commune of Santhiaba Manjacque, located on the border with Guinea-Bissau, is healing its wounds. Once fiercely contested for its strategic position, this strip of fertile, fish-rich land, crossed by the Boudié Diète stream, is now reclaiming its oasis status.

1990-1992: The dark years and the exodus

Djirack's troubles began in 1990, when military tensions between Senegal and Guinea-Bissau over control of this border area led to the first eviction of the population. Despite an attempt to return in 1991, encouraged by the first ceasefire agreement in the history of the Casamance crisis, the respite was short-lived.

In 1992, a commando unit from the MFDC invaded the village and burned almost all the houses. According to several sources, this act was a reprisal against a population that refused to send its children to join the rebellion. Djirack was then wiped off the map for decades.

A step-by-step reconstruction: from ashes to life

The return process, which began in 2000, was a long and arduous process. From just five houses at the start of this initiative, the village has been transformed.

Today, numerous infrastructures have been built thanks to a collaborative effort. German cooperation supported the reconstruction of the first homes starting in 2000. The defense and security forces carried out civil-military operations, including clearing mines from roads and rice paddies, as well as building classrooms. ANRAC provided the necessary materials for rebuilding the homes.

Local healthcare: the culmination of resilience

Thirty-four years after the disaster, Djirack has taken a crucial step in its social reconstruction. On Wednesday, January 7th, a new health post was inaugurated, supplementing the old health center which had become too small.

This infrastructure, the result of a collaboration between the NGO International Charity Organization (ICO) and ANRAC (within the framework of the Diomaye Plan for Casamance), is of strategic importance. "The health post will now allow us to offer expanded consultations, safe deliveries, vaccinations, and better emergency management," emphasized Dr. Demba Sarr, chief medical officer of the Oussouye district.

For the Sub-Prefect of Cabrousse, Alioune Wade, this achievement reflects the State's commitment to ensuring quality public services, even in the most remote border areas. Djirack is no longer merely surviving; the village is healing and gradually becoming a haven of peace for its inhabitants and neighboring communities.