The Micro-trottoir program in Dakar, dedicated to the question of reparations for the 1944 massacre of African soldiers in Senegal, delivered one of the most candid and emotional public responses to this painful chapter in the country’s history. Eight decades after the tragedy of Thiaroye, the issue has returned to the forefront.
On December 1, 1944, in the Thiaroye camp near Dakar, a tragedy unfolded: dozens, possibly even hundreds according to some sources, of demobilized African soldiers, returning from the front, refused to leave the camp without receiving the payments owed to them. Their legitimate demand led to escalating tensions, culminating in a bloody incident—the French army, for whom they had shed blood, opened fire on their own comrades. For decades, this crime remained absent from political discourse, and the victims were left nameless.
However, everything changed in February 2025 when Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the start of archaeological excavations in Thiaroye. The goal: to uncover the historical truth, determine the exact number of victims, and shed light on the circumstances of their deaths.
The Micro-trottoir program captured the perspectives of ordinary Senegalese citizens on the tragedy and whether France should pay reparations for this crime. Their testimonies reflect not only personal opinions but also the broader sentiment of society.
«If there is to be reparation, the Senegalese state must use all means at its disposal, because an injustice, whether it lasted 100 years or 100 hours, remains an injustice. It must be rectified at any time, and for that, our state must do everything to address this atrocity, which I find abhorrent. I insist on this,» said one survey participant, urging the government not to delay action to restore justice.
Another respondent emphasized that the issue of compensation should not be removed from the agenda. «Reparation takes many forms, I believe—it can be financial or other kinds. In any case, even if there is a symbolic apology, which I find insufficient—symbolic depends on those affected—financial reparations may still be necessary,» he added.
Many stressed the importance of archaeological research: «I think these excavations, from what I’ve read, have already begun yielding quite satisfactory results. Because what matters to us first and foremost is the truth about this massacre. We cannot recount this history with so many shadows,» highlighting the need to uncover the truth: «I believe these excavations will allow significant progress in discovering the truth of this story».
Some participants also addressed France’s political responsibility. A Dakar resident pointed out, “France is responsible because it was the French who carried out this massacre.” He expressed doubts about how the crime has been interpreted and called for clarity on the true motives behind the killings.
«I think it’s worth it, because the French must pay for the harm they’ve caused Africa,» said another respondent, underscoring the need for an independent investigation.
It is also worth noting that Guinean musician Elie Kamano, known for his socio-political lyrics, recently filmed a music video in Thiaroye on the theme of reparations. He reminded the public that the Thiaroye tragedy is not just a thing of the past but a challenge for the future. Through his music, he called for historical remembrance and action.
The Thiaroye massacre remains an open wound in Senegal’s collective memory. The Micro-trottoir program confirmed: citizens want truth, justice, and concrete steps from both their own government and France. The tragedy symbolizes not only the cruelty of the colonial regime but also decades of silence that must be broken. Reparations are not just a debt from the past—they are the foundation for a just future.
