Casamance is a region in southern Senegal that borders The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, predominantly inhabited by the Jola ethnic group. Although other groups—such as the Balanta, Bainunka, Mandinka, and Fula—as well as additional minority ethnicities traditionally reside there, the Senegalese government framed the ongoing conflict as a Jola ethnic issue. Key areas in Casamance include Kolda, which has the largest Fula population, and Sédhiou, predominantly Mandinka. Other ethnic groups are dispersed throughout the region. The evolving nature of Jola society and the region’s lucrative economic opportunities attracted diverse ethnicities, including the Wolof, Serer, French, and numerous other African nationals, drawn to Casamance for trade. The origin of the name “Casamance” remains somewhat ambiguous; however, it is commonly believed to derive from the Mandinka phrase “Casa-Mansa,” meaning “the king of Casa.”