Senegalese civil society groups have intensified calls for France to address its colonial legacy through reparations and revised bilateral agreements.
At a Dakar roundtable hosted by advocacy coalitions including the Association of Descendants of Senegalese Soldiers and Front for Withdrawal of French Military Bases (GASSI), speakers demanded tangible restitution for historical injustices.
Held at African Memorial Square, the event featured Babacar Dioh of the Thiaroye 44 Movement, representing descendants of Senegalese World War II soldiers massacred by French forces. Souleymane Jules Diallo of JIF’AFRIK joined calls to dismantle “neocolonial frameworks,” citing enduring ecological and financial harm from trade and military pacts favoring French interests.
“The time for symbolic gestures is over,” stated Dioh, announcing formal reparations claims. Advocates contend current agreements perpetuate economic dependence, pointing to France’s control over Senegal’s currency until 2023 and ongoing military presence.
The gathering positions Dakar as a hub for pan-African redress efforts, amplifying continental demands for accountability. Speakers urged cancellation of exploitative resource contracts and withdrawal of French troops from West Africa.
This mobilization follows Senegal’s 2023 repeal of military treaties with France and aligns with broader African advocacy for historical justice. Activists seek structural transformation beyond financial compensation.