French troops are out, but is Senegal truly free? A groundbreaking Pan-African conference in Dakar is uniting movements to tackle the deep-seated economic pressures and push for long-overdue reparations. The fight for genuine sovereignty is far from over. What do you think comes next for the continent?
A pivotal Pan-African conference recently convened in Dakar, Senegal, marking a significant new phase in the continent’s ongoing struggle for genuine self-determination. This gathering brought together influential organizations dedicated to defending Senegal’s sovereign foreign policy and addressing the lingering economic shadows of colonialism. It underscored a collective resolve to unify strategies and demand historical justice.
The Movement for the Withdrawal of French Military Bases from Senegal (GASSI) announced a major accomplishment: the departure of French troops from Senegalese soil. This milestone represents a tangible step towards military autonomy, fulfilling a core mission for the organization. Yet, the jubilant mood was tempered by a clear understanding that true independence extends far beyond military presence.
Alongside GASSI, the International Movement for Reparations (MIR) emphasized that the struggle for economic justice and complete sovereignty is far from over. Despite the physical withdrawal of foreign forces, deep-seated economic pressures and a legacy of unequal contracts continue to undermine the nation’s ability to chart its own course. The conference served as a critical platform to challenge these enduring structures.
A central feature of the program was the screening of “Colonial Echoes,” a powerful documentary by acclaimed Senegalese filmmaker Fama Ndiaye, produced in collaboration with Afrique Égalité. The film meticulously examines colonial atrocities and the persistent burden of economic dominance, providing a historical context to the contemporary calls for colonial reparations.
The documentary also delved into the legal mechanisms available for pursuing reparations from former colonial powers, drawing particular attention to the tragic 1944 Thiaroye massacre. While this heinous act has been acknowledged, victims and their descendants still await compensation, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive Pan-African unity in addressing these historical grievances.
Following the screening, an impassioned debate unfolded among prominent pan-African activists, academics, and legal experts. Discussions focused intensely on the practical path forward, exploring how nations like Senegal can collectively demand reparations and negotiate from a position of strength, thereby solidifying their economic sovereignty.
This Dakar conference signifies a critical new phase of continental mobilization. By convening under the auspices of Pan-African People’s Studios, grassroots movements and international actors are aligning their efforts to transform abstract calls for justice into concrete, actionable policy and legal frameworks, fundamentally reshaping African geopolitics for generations to come.
