Chapter 17 Summary

"Dakar - The Meeting" Narration describes the blend of desperation and celebration sustaining the strikers as well as the manipulations of the business leaders intended to keep the strikers under control. When Bakayoko arrives in Dakar, he becomes convinced that there is nothing left for the unions to fight for, and also learns of Beaugosse's departure from the union. Bakayoko comments that he and Beugosse have never liked each other, and the local union leader (Alioune) reflects that it probably has something to do with N'Daye Touti as well as with Bakayoko's attitude. When he hears what the other leader is thinking, Bakayoko explains that when he is working for the good of the people, he can think of nothing else.

As the marchers make their way into the town, they are welcomed ritually in the way warriors were traditionally welcomed. During the...