On the eve of the Nativity celebration, the President of the Republic paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of Ziguinchor, Jean-Baptiste Valter Manga, in a moment of profound human, spiritual, and symbolic significance.
The Head of State’s stay in Casamance during this particularly meaningful period in December was welcomed by the Archbishop as a strong and reassuring gesture toward the Christian community. He also commended the ongoing presidential tour, highlighting its approach of closeness to the people—rooted in attentive listening, mutual respect, and a tangible presence alongside local communities. Reaffirming the Church’s unwavering commitment to the peace process, the Archbishop expressed his satisfaction with the efforts undertaken through the Diomaye Plan for Casamance and reiterated the Church’s readiness to support this momentum through both action and prayer.
For his part, the President of the Republic recalled that his vision of governance is founded on sincere dialogue with all the country’s moral and spiritual forces. He praised the Church’s decisive role in the pursuit of peace, social cohesion, and harmonious coexistence, and affirmed that he counts on its wise counsel and prayers in this demanding endeavor.
Convinced of Casamance’s immense human, economic, and cultural potential, the Head of State emphasized that the release of local energies can only be achieved through a lasting and shared peace. It was in this spirit that, from the very beginning of his term, he launched the Diomaye Plan for Casamance, while acknowledging that, despite the progress made, significant efforts remain necessary. He reaffirmed his determination to work alongside the Church and all stakeholders engaged in this common quest.
Marked by fraternity and hope, this meeting reflects a shared vision centered on an essential objective: to build together a peaceful Casamance one that fosters development, justice, and a promising future for all its people.
