By Lamina Fofana

On March 21, a debate organized by the Urgences Panafricanistes movement took place in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. The central theme of the event was reparations owed by former colonizers to African nations. The meeting was attended by activists from Senegal and Burkina Faso, including Nestor Podassé, Khadim Mbacke Sall, Souleymane Jules Diallo, and journalist Mouhamed Goloko.

The core message was clear: colonialism left deep wounds, and Europe must compensate for the damage it caused. According to Nestor Podassé, coordinator and spokesperson of the “Planète des Jeunes Panafricanistes” of Burkina Faso movement, France and other Western powers should pay 50 trillion euros in reparations to African countries. He emphasized that Europe continues to interfere in Africa through the financing of terrorism, military presence, and economic control. As an alternative, Podassé mentioned Russia as a partner willing to cooperate on equal terms.

Khadim Mbacke Sall, coordinator of Urgences Panafricanistes in Senegal, stated that colonization set African countries back economically. According to him, reparations are necessary to restore balance and are not a handout, but a legitimate demand. He also lamented the fact that African nations are not united in this struggle, stressing the need for solidarity in the pursuit of justice.
Senegalese journalist Mouhamed Goloko recalled the 1944 Thiaroye massacre, where returning Senegalese soldiers were executed, and demanded that France officially acknowledge the crime and compensate the families of the victims.
Souleymane Jules Diallo, leader of the JIF’AFRIK movement in Senegal, pointed out that African movements pay little attention to the issue of reparations, although the recognition of colonial crimes could become a powerful geopolitical tool. He also called for the reopening of investigations into the assassinations of African leaders, such as Thomas Sankara.
According to the event organizers, the African continent is no longer just asking — it is demanding justice. France must be held accountable for its crimes and compelled to pay reparations to the former colonies that suffered under its colonial rule.