Marsassoum

Marsassoum is a small town and seat of the Marsassoum Arrondissement in the Ziguinchor Region of Senegal, roughly 33 kilometres (21 mi) from Ziguinchor. It lies on the bank of the Soungrougrou River.^[2] In 2023 it had a population of 9,815.

Marsassoum
Town and commune
Marsassoum Location in Senegal
Coordinates: 12°49′39″N 15°58′50″W
Country	Senegal
Region	Ziguinchor
Department	Ziguinchor
Arrondissement	Marsassoum
Area
• Town and commune	3.599 km2 (1.390 sq mi)
Population  (2023 census)[1]
• Town and commune	9,815
• Density	2,700/km2 (7,100/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+0 (GMT)

History

During colonial times it was a centre of the slave trade. Children could be sold from 200 to 250 francs.^[3] Today there are significant populations of Mandinka people living in the vicinity.^[4]

On July 28, 2008, gendarmes opened fire on 10 demonstrators who had barricaded the roads in Marsassoum.^[5]

Notable people

• Karamba Diaby (1961-)