Undoing a recent rapprochement between the two countries (February 2011, The political scene), Senegal cut diplomatic relations with Iran on February 22nd following the deaths of three soldiers in the troubled region of Casamance, a result of the use of weapons allegedly linked to Iran. The government claims that ballistic analysis has confirmed the Iranian source of ammunition, supported by army sources noting that recent rebel attacks have been carried out with more sophisticated weaponry than hitherto available. In the last two months 19 Senegalese soldiers have died in such attacks, increasing the death toll significantly in comparison with last year. The army is under pressure and the administration could no longer avoid a bold response. Despite the recent efforts to normalise relations with Iran and deny any serious friction following the discovery in Nigeria of an arms cargo destined for The Gambia (December 2010, The political scene), the government opted to sacrifice its relations with Iran, despite the latter being an important source of investment in recent years. Although the minister of foreign affairs, Madické Niang, has said that existing projects will continue, it is unlikely that the US$200m promised by Iran in January (February 2011, The political scene) to restore ties will now materialise.

Although Iran predictably blamed the US and Israel for what it describes as an "illogical" decision, Senegal is prioritising the opportunity to improve relations with The Gambia-which severed its long-standing ties with Iran in January-in order to more effectively isolate the Mouvement des forces démocratiques de la Casamance (MFDC) rebels. Alienating the embarrassed Gambian regime would possibly reinforce the capacity of MFDC rebel factions to take bases and strike from the neighbouring territory, making the Senegalese army's task of hunting down the rebels even more difficult. Indeed, Senegal and The Gambia are strengthening co-operation in security matters and have organised joint border patrols and army manoevres.