Presidential envoy to Casamance region, Samsidine Dino Némo Aïdara, killed 20 December in apparent political attack. Separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) to hold meeting 11 to 13 January, but culprit for Aïdara death unknown.

Opposition boycotted 19 August elections for newly created Senate, protesting presidential power to appoint 65 of 100 members. Results declared 28 August: ruling PDS won 34 of 35 seats.

Fighting continued in Casamance region between rebel factions and government soldiers. Attack by suspected MFDC fighters on Casamance highway wounded regional administrator and Chinese citizen.

Casamance violence continued. Government soldiers clashed with MFDC in Sindian 20 June and official wounded 25 June by suspected MFDC fighters. Legislative elections held 3 June, marred by opposition boycott and turnout rates under 35%. President Abdoulaye Wade’s PDS- led coalition took 131 (increase from 90) of 150 seats. Wade appointed former budget minister, Cheikh Hadjibou Soumare, new PM 19 June.

Sporadic clashes erupted between rival factions of Movement of Casamance Democratic Forces in Sindian area north east of Ziguinchor. Campaigning began 13 May for 3 June legislative election; opposition groups pledged boycott over President Wade’s refusal to change electoral process. Senegal Sporadic clashes erupted between rival factions of Movement of Casamance Democratic Forces in Sindian area north east of Ziguinchor. Campaigning began 13 May for 3 June legislative election; opposition groups pledged boycott over President Wade’s refusal to change electoral process.

President Abdoulaye Wade sworn in for second 5- year term 3 April despite opposition accusations of doctored voter lists and vote buying. Observers declared polls fair. 12 opposition parties vowed to boycott June legislative elections.

Electoral commission confirmed reelection of President Abdoulaye Wade 1 March with 55.86% of votes, avoiding second round ballot. Electoral court dismissed opposition claims of fraud and confirmed Wade’s victory 11 March. Parliamentary polls due 3 June.

Presidential elections held 25 February, deemed free and fair by ECOWAS observers after sporadic election-related violence in Casamance region in run up to vote. Provisional results suggest incumbent Abdoulaye Wade victory but irregularities claimed by some candidates. Official result due 2 March. At least 7 killed by suspected separatist guerrillas - 4 in 15 February attack on bus 30 km north of Ziguinchor.

Sporadic fighting continued in Southern Casamance near Guinea-Bissau border. Security forces and MFDC faction led by Cesar Badiate clashed 18 and 24 January, causing recently returned villagers to leave their homes. Opposition protestors demanding early parliamentary elections clashed with police 27 January.

Despite November talks with Casamance elders aimed at peace deal with Movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) rebels, sporadic violence near Ziguinchor killed 5, including Oumar Lamine Badji, leading member of ruling Democratic Party, 30 December. Violence raised concerns of divisions within MFDC leadership.