By : Lloyd Mahachi
Senegal has commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre. This was a colonial-era tragedy in which African soldiers who fought for France during World War II were killed by French soldiers in 1944.
The soldiers were demanding fair treatment and payment upon their return. France’s foreign affairs minister attended the ceremony in Thiaroye, along with other African heads of state.
Senegal continues to demand answers about the massacre. The French military claims that 35 to 75 soldiers were killed. However, historians dispute this, estimating that nearly 400 people died.
There have been calls to exhume the mass graves to verify the official death toll. France has been accused of falsifying or hiding records. The true number of casualties remains unclear.
For the first time, France has acknowledged its soldiers’ role in the massacre. French President Emmanuel Macron wrote a letter stating that France must recognize the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen demanding their wages triggered a chain of events that resulted in a massacre.
Macron also expressed his commitment to working with Senegalese officials to uncover the truth behind the killings. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed France’s acknowledgment.
Faye said that he believes this time, France’s engagement will be complete, frank, and collaborative. Former Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Toure described the commemoration as a moment of justice.
Toure emphasized the importance of young people knowing the truth about the massacre. The Thiaroye massacre has been largely hidden from history. The commemoration marks a significant step towards reconciliation and truth.
The incident has also been the subject of several artistic works. A film by Senegalese author and filmmaker Ousmane Sembène documents the events leading up to the massacre.
The commemoration was attended by many dignitaries. They included France’s foreign affairs minister and other African heads of state. The ceremony was held in Thiaroye, where the massacre took place.
Senegal is seeking justice and truth about the massacre. The country wants France to take responsibility for the killings. Senegal also wants France to officially apologize and properly investigate the massacre.
The Thiaroye massacre is a painful reminder of the colonial era. It is a reminder of the injustices and atrocities committed during that time. Senegal is seeking closure and justice for the victims and their families.
The commemoration is a step towards healing and reconciliation. It is a step towards acknowledging the past and working towards a better future. Senegal and France must work together to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
