The Camp at Thiaroye

The story follows the return to Dakar of Senegalese riflemen who had fought for France and had been taken prisoner by the German army. Gathered at the Thiaroye military camp, they wait for the payment of the wages and compensation promised to them by the French colonial administration. Very quickly, the soldiers realize that they are treated with contempt, housed in degrading conditions, and above all deprived of what they are owed, as the authorities attempt to pay them a paltry sum compared to that granted to French soldiers. Despite their peaceful and legitimate demands, dialogue deteriorates. Tensions rise between the riflemen and the colonial army. The situation turns tragic when the French authorities decide to violently suppress the protests, leading to the Thiaroye massacre, in which many African soldiers are killed by those for whom they had fought.