Thiaroye: Senegal commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre on Sunday, paying tribute to African soldiers killed by French troops in 1944 after returning from World War II. These soldiers, part of France’s colonial infantry, were demanding fair treatment and overdue compensation.
The ceremony in Thiaroye, a village near Senegal’s capital Dakar, reignited calls for France to officially acknowledge its role in the massacre, issue a formal apology, and conduct a thorough investigation. Senegal has long pressed its former colonizer for accountability, especially as French influence wanes across Africa amid the growing presence of Russia.
Murky Details, Mounting Demands
While accounts of the massacre vary, the death toll remains contested. Former French President François Hollande acknowledged at least 70 deaths during a visit to Thiaroye in 2014, doubling the official figure of 35. However, historians suggest the true toll could be far higher, possibly reaching up to 400 victims buried in mass graves.
In a significant shift, French President Emmanuel Macron referred to the killings as a “massacre” in a letter to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marking the first time a sitting French president used the term in official correspondence. Macron’s letter pledged cooperation with a Senegalese committee to uncover the full truth.
“There have been several efforts to smother this story,” said President Faye in response to Macron’s letter. “We think that this time France’s engagement will be complete, frank, and collaborative.”
Honoring the Fallen
The commemoration began with a visit to the Thiaroye military cemetery, where officials, including France’s foreign affairs minister, laid flowers in honor of the fallen soldiers. A printed guide distributed during the event described the massacre as “horrific repression” and underscored the soldiers’ sacrifice in France’s defense during World War II.
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Pressure is mounting for access to mass graves and the release of military archives to uncover long-hidden details. Earlier this year, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko accused France of trying to “unilaterally determine” reparations and downplay the injustices African soldiers endured.
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Broader Implications
The Thiaroye massacre remains a poignant symbol of colonial exploitation and the lingering scars of imperial history. As Senegal demands justice and accountability, the anniversary underscores broader calls across Africa for former colonial powers to confront their pasts and make amends.
