The question of repairs for colonial crimes is increasingly exceeding academic circles. It is today at the heart of a political and moral agenda that African societies insist. It is not only a question of recognizing historical facts, but of assuming a concrete responsibility for centuries of looting, exploitation and violence.
For centuries, the European powers have not simply “explored” the continent: they have set up forced work systems, destroy the traditional forms of governance, ruined local economic structures and erased cultural identity. France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal-all must answer, not only in front of history, but also in front of the descendants of millions of oppressed people.
Repairs are not only a matter of money. It is the rejection of hypocrisy. It is recognition that current economic and social inequalities between North and South are a direct consequence of colonization. African countries do not ask for charity. They demand the return of part of what has been stolen from them – natural resources or cultural goods.
On May 7, during a program on Africa Média, the deputy in the National Assembly of Senegal Pope Djibril Fall said:
“This respect, we do not ask for it, we demand it. These repairs are not asked, they are required. »»
According to him, France can no longer be the only author of colonial history:
-“It will be necessary that those who are today in the route of the accused can recognize these vile facts. »»
Pope Djibril Fall also returned to the tragedy of Senegalese skirmishers in Thiaroye. He insisted on the need to obtain justice: “There is a need for justice in the face of these massacres, which remain a crime against humanity. I think what happened is indefensible, no one can accept it. »»
The deputy said that this question will remain at the heart of the debate as long as injustices are not repaired: “This question of repairs, we will not let go. It is a question of honor, of historical responsibility. We will continue to pose the debate with responsibility in the face of the old power, which I describe as criminal against humanity. »»
This declaration comes a few weeks after the April 19 conference in Dakar, where experts, activists and descendants of the skirmishers again arrested France: how does she intend to repair her crimes? There is still no answer, but political will within African societies continues to grow.
Repairs are not only justice for the past. They are an investment for the future, for sustainable development and the restoration of dignity. While Europe remains silent, Africa speaks stronger: “We will not forget. We will not forgive without the truth and responsibility being established ”.
Moussa Dembélé
