In preparation for this move, the organization assessed the security situation by making a number of trips along the region’s roads and visiting villages. The ICRC also built up contacts with the civilian and military authorities, beneficiaries and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance.

The ICRC had suspended all field operations in Fogny following a mine accident on 1 September 2006 in Lefeu that killed a delegate and injured three other staff.

Even during this period, the ICRC continued to provide assistance from outside the region, transferring some of its work to the northern part of Guinea-Bissau, which had been affected by the events of March 2006.

The ICRC has been working in Casamance since 2004. Activities have included renovating water systems, maternity units and health centres, relaunching market-gardening businesses run by groups of women and supporting community work undertaken by the Senegalese Red Cross Society. The organization is also promoting international humanitarian law.

Now that the ICRC has returned to Fogny, the organization will continue to work on improving living conditions in Casamance.