A Study of War
 Wars of the World*
OnWar.com
Armed Conflict
Events Data
 
Mauitanian-Senegalese Border War 1989-1991

Bloody ethnic violence between Senegalese and Mauritanians in the Senegal River valley (the border region between Senegal and Mauritania) erupted in mid-April 1989, following the killing of two Senegalese peasants apparently by Mauritanian border guards, in a simmering dispute over animal grazing rights. Fighting soon forced the white (bidan) Moors who controlled trade in the region, to flee north; their rivals, the Poular-speaking blacks (Tukulors and Fulani), fled to safety on the south side of the river valley and made retaliatory raids into Mauritanian territory. Much looting and bloodshed by both sides occurred while at least 250,000 persons fled their homes into forces exile elsewhere. Attempts by the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to mediate failed in 1990. Senegal's President Abdou Diouf (1935-) managed to work out a prudent agreement which was signed by the two countries on July 18, 1991. The border was later reopened, and refugees and exiles began to return to their homes in the valley.
Last Update: December 16, 2000

Armed Conflict Events Database

Armed Conflict Events Data (ACED) is an research project providing independent information about known wars, international disputes, civil wars, rebellions, coups, revolutions, genocides and other violent conflicts. ACED has been online since December 2000. Various partial revisions and modifications have been implemented since then, however, the limitations of the this format hamper further development. During 2005, the decision was made to radically restructure the available conflict information into a database. The new Armed Conflict Events Database (ACEDb) will substantially increase the utility of available conflict data for students of military history. As well, it will offer expanded opportunities to add and edit records of conflict. Existing research material will be maintained in its present form but no revisions are planned. More news about the development of ACEDb may be found at News About the Armed Conflict Events Database. Feedback is welcome.