Faith Nyasuguta
French President Emmanuel Macron has officially acknowledged the 1944 killings of West African soldiers by French forces in the village of Thiaroye, Senegal, as a massacre. This unprecedented recognition was conveyed in a letter to Senegalese authorities and announced by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye during a televised interview on November 28.
Macron’s statement comes as the world observes the 80th anniversary of this dark chapter in history.
The massacre victims were members of the Tirailleurs Senegalais, a colonial infantry unit composed of West African soldiers who served in the French Army during World War II. After fighting in the 1940 Battle of France, these soldiers were repatriated to Senegal.
On December 1, 1944, between 35 and 400 of them were killed by French troops following what colonial authorities described as a mutiny over unpaid wages. Survivors of the protest were later prosecuted in March 1945.
In his letter, Macron highlighted the need to confront historical truths. “France must recognize that on that day, the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen demanding their full, legitimate wages triggered a chain of events that resulted in a massacre,” he wrote.
Macron also committed to supporting efforts to uncover the full circumstances of the tragedy. He entrusted this mission to Senegal’s newly established Committee for the Restoration of the Facts, chaired by Professor Mamadou Diouf, a respected scholar in African history.
President Faye welcomed Macron’s acknowledgment, calling it a step toward closure. “We have long sought resolution on this painful chapter. We believe France’s commitment this time will be full, frank, and collaborative,” Faye said. He expressed optimism that this recognition would lead to a comprehensive understanding of the historical injustice.
The Thiaroye massacre remains a poignant symbol of the exploitation of African soldiers who fought for colonial powers, only to be betrayed upon their return. Macron’s statement aligns with broader efforts to address France’s colonial legacy, including the restitution of African cultural artifacts and recognition of other colonial-era atrocities.
The timing of Macron’s acknowledgment is significant. It follows Senegal’s recent legislative elections, where the ruling PASTEF party secured a decisive majority, granting President Faye a mandate to implement far-reaching reforms. Among these reforms are efforts to reduce Senegal’s economic dependence on foreign entities, including French companies that maintain significant investments in the country.
On the matter of France’s military presence in Senegal, where approximately 350 French troops remain in a supportive capacity, Faye hinted at rethinking such arrangements. “Reversing the roles, would France be comfortable hosting a military base from Senegal, China, or Russia? I think not,” Faye remarked, reflecting a growing sentiment for greater national sovereignty in defense policies.
Macron’s recognition of the Thiaroye massacre marks a turning point in addressing historical grievances while signaling a shift in Franco-Senegalese relations. As Senegal continues to assert its political and economic independence, the acknowledgment of past injustices adds a significant layer to the ongoing narrative of reconciliation and self-determination.
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