Raddho is calling for a greater involvement of The Gambia in the crisis of the Southern Casamance. This appeal was made late on Sunday night in a weekly broadcast aiming for the restoration of peace entitled "espace paix" of Sud FM Ziguinchor. Mr. Tine indicated on this occasion that the presence of peace guarantors is more than indispensable for future negotiations between the Senegalese Government and the MFDC. In this regard, he is requesting the Senegalese Government to work a diplomatic level, with the Gambia as Yahya Jammeh had played an extremely important role in Banjul I and II (referring to the first two meetings between the Senegalese Government and the MFDC under Abdou Diouf's regime). He must be involved in the peace process. Mr. Tine is also calling for the participation of Guinea Bissau. It should be noted that it is in this country the next negotiations between the Senegalese Government and MFDC are expected to be held. This decision had been taken during Me Abdoulaye Wade's visit to Ziguinchor on the 25th August 2002, during which he had met the two principal leaders of the Movement, Father Diamacoune who suspected this country of supporting the MFDC. Acoording to Alioune Tine, it would be a serious mistake to sideline any of these two countries who until now facilitated the peace process for he emphasised that Kumba Yalla too had also made several efforts in advancing it.

Referring to the Gambia, he pointed out the assistance this country had provided during "Le Joola", vessel sea accident which occurred on the 26th of September 2002 off The Gambian coast. "Everything was granted to the Senegalese people, sky, land, sea; ....... this has to be consolidated". Mr. Tine opined that even if there are problems, they should be overlooked, recalling President Jammeh's statement who has always said that Senegal and The Gambia are the same family, therefore disputes can arise but afterwards we turn a new page. He stresses the pertinence of this declaration and request therefore that The Gambia be really involved in order for it play its rightful role in the Casamance peace process. Will his call be heard? Nothing is certain for the moment considering that certain factions of the MFDC no longer want to come to Banjul since the controversial meetings of the Movement in August 2000.

Reporter: Mamadou Diallo