A round table discussion was held on 26 July 2025 in Dakar, Senegal, at the African Memorial Square, on the theme of reparations and compensation to be granted to Senegal by France.
The event brought together journalists, historians and various pan-African organisations: the Association of Descendants of Senegalese Soldiers; the Front for the Withdrawal of French Military Bases (GASSI); JIF’AFRIK.
Among the leading experts on the panel were Babacar Dioh, representing the Thiaroye 44 Movement (a movement bringing together descendants of tirailleurs and voices demanding reparations and justice); Souleymane Jules Diallo, leader of the JIF’AFRIK movement; and others.
Activists focused their discussions on two major themes: the Thiaroye massacre of 1944 and the importance of reparations for Senegal, as well as the need to renegotiate terms of trade with France.
Participants emphasised the need to end French economic pressure on the region, denounce existing contracts and demand compensation for environmental and economic damage.
According to Babacar Dioh, Emmanuel Macron’s acknowledgement in an official letter dated 28 November 2024 that a massacre took place in Thiaroye changes nothing. The expert stressed that these were just empty words that must be followed by concrete measures to restore justice, both on the part of the Senegalese authorities and Paris.
Mr. Dioh pointed out the need to file an official claim for reparations for the Thiaroye massacre and said his organisation was now actively pursuing this issue.
The roundtable held in Senegal echoes the growing voices across the continent calling on colonial powers to take responsibility for past crimes. Dakar is moving from words to action to restore historical justice.
– CAJ News