Separatist rebels in Casamance have today released the seven Senegalese soldiers captured last month.

The soldiers have been transported back to The Gambia after being handed over to officials of the Red Cross, Ecowas and Gambia Armed Forces.

According to report the soldiers were released on humanitarian grounds following a peace deal between the rebel leader Salif Sadio and Ecowas officials. 

The soldiers were named as Sergeant Abou Bâ, Sergeant Fulgence Antoine Manga, Chief Corporal Niane Diatta, Chief Corporal Pape Souaka Diouf, private Gana Sène, private Omar Thioye, private Atap Diémé and private Jacob Vincent Mendy.

They were captured on 25 January amid a deadly clash with MFDC rebels on The Gambia’s southern border. 

Two Senegalese soldiers, El hadj Boubacar Ba and private Serigne Mbaye Sey, were killed during the clash.

One MFDC rebel was also killed and three captured by Senegalese forces.