Senegal hunts ear-choppers

The Senegalese army has launched an offensive against rebels in the southern Casamance region, after 16 villagers had their left ears cut off.

A military spokesman said the operation was aimed at protecting villagers from attack during the cashew-nut harvest.

The MFDC rebel group, which has waged a long separatist campaign in the region, has denied links to the mutilations.



Lansana Manga, 31, said they were harvesting the nuts in Niaguis, 20km from the regional capital, Ziguinchor, when they were approached by men dressed in military fatigues and armed with rifles.

"They tied our hands before cutting off one ear each. They said it was to punish us because we were in their territory."

The National Human Rights Organisation has demanded that the perpetrators be found and charged with crimes against humanity.