A Senegalese soldier has been killed and six others injured following a clash with suspected separatist fighters in southern Senegal.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in the Djifangueuh area of the Bignona Department within the conflict-prone Casamance region.

According to reports, the soldiers came under attack during an operation in the area, leading to a gun battle with fighters believed to be linked to the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC).

The wounded troops were evacuated for medical treatment.

The Casamance region has experienced a decades-long separatist conflict led by the MFDC, which has been seeking independence from Senegal since the early 1980s.

Although the level of violence has decreased in recent years, sporadic clashes between the Senegalese military and suspected rebel fighters continue to occur in remote parts of the region.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding the latest confrontation, but security operations are reportedly ongoing in the area.

By Adama Makasuba