Senegal: French historian accused of promoting autonomist ideas in Casamance

French historian Séverine Awenengo Dalberto, author of a book on Casamance, a region in southern Senegal marked by a former independence conflict, defended herself this week against accusations of promoting autonomist ideas. Her book, published by Karthala and entitled The Idea of ​​Autonomous Casamance – Possibilities and Moral Debts of the Colonial Situation in Senegal , has sparked protests in the country.

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Cancellation of book presentation in Dakar

The CNRS researcher was due to present her book on Saturday, October 26 at the “Aux quatre vents” bookstore in Dakar. However, the bookstore announced on Wednesday the cancellation of the signing session, citing risks of disruption without giving any specific explanations. Karthala Publishing confirmed this decision, taken to avoid possible disturbances around the event.

Author’s reaction to the accusations

In a statement sent to AFP, Séverine Awenengo Dalberto expressed her dismay at the “malicious and unfounded comments” circulating around her work, which are relayed in the media and on social networks. She affirmed that her work is “strictly historical” and that it does not intend to reopen sensitive fractures in Senegal, as some have feared.

The historian also said that the accusations against her create a worrying climate for her personal safety, due to the heated controversy generated by the publication of her book.

Reaction of the ruling party and the Senegalese authorities

The book’s release provoked a virulent reaction from the Alliance for the Republic (APR), the party in power until the next presidential election in March. In a statement, the APR criticized the book’s content, saying it calls into question peace efforts in Casamance and poses a threat to national unity.

Conclusion

Faced with accusations of promoting autonomism, Séverine Awenengo Dalberto reiterates the academic and historical nature of her work, but the cancellation of the presentation of her book reflects the increased sensitivity surrounding the Casamance question in Senegal. The debates surrounding this book highlight the tensions that persist in the country around national unity and the memory of the conflict in Casamance