December 1st marks a solemn day in Senegal’s history as the country commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre. This tragic event took place in 1944 when at least 35 Tirailleurs, members of a colonial infantry unit from Senegal who served in the French army, were brutally gunned down by French forces.
The massacre occurred when the Tirailleurs, who had just returned from fighting in World War II, demanded their rightful pay. In a shocking display of violence, the French forces opened fire on the unarmed soldiers, resulting in the death of dozens of men.
For many years, the French army justified the killings by labeling it as a “mutiny”. It wasn’t until 2012, during François Hollande’s presidency, that the true nature of the massacre was acknowledged as a “bloody crackdown”.
Recently, on November 28th, President Emmanuel Macron took a significant step by acknowledging in a letter to Senegalese authorities that what happened in Thiaroye in 1944 was indeed a massacre. This long-overdue recognition is a crucial step towards acknowledging the historical injustices and atrocities committed during the colonial era.
The Thiaroye massacre serves as a stark reminder of the brutality and violence inflicted upon African soldiers who bravely fought for the French army during World War II. The memory of the Tirailleurs who lost their lives in Thiaroye must never be forgotten, and their sacrifice should be honored and remembered.
As Senegal reflects on this dark chapter in its history, it also looks towards a future of remembrance, reconciliation, and justice. The 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre serves as a poignant moment to reflect on the past and strive towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
