Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has ordered a partial closure of the border with Senegal following deadly clashes between two Muslim communities. Speaking to AFP on Wednesday, Embalo explained that the violence erupted in the holy town of Medina Gounass, just a few kilometers from Guinea-Bissau, during Eid celebrations.
The two communities in southern Senegal have a history of conflict over control of the main local mosque, leading to several deaths over the years. The recent clashes on Monday resulted in one fatality and about 20 injuries, as reported by the interior ministry.
President Embalo mentioned that after the clashes, one of the communities sought reinforcements from people living in Guinea-Bissau. To prevent further violence, he decided to close part of the border. “My country’s security forces are ensuring that this measure is scrupulously respected,” he stated.
The border between Senegal and Guinea-Bissau stretches for 300 kilometers (186 miles). Medina Gounass, located over 500 kilometers from Dakar, hosts an annual 10-day pilgrimage attended by thousands of Muslims.