Senegal Commemorates 80th Anniversary of the Thiaroye Massacre

On the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for a renewed commitment to acknowledging and honoring the memory of African soldiers killed on December 1, 1944, by French colonial forces. Addressing a solemn gathering at the Thiaroye military camp, President Faye urged for “a clear-eyed look at this dark episode in our shared history” and announced measures to preserve the legacy of the victims while promoting historical accountability.

The ceremony brought together dignitaries from across Africa and representatives from France, marking a pivotal moment in reconciling with a painful colonial past. The Senegalese leader, who also serves as the current president of the African Union, was joined by the leaders of Comoros, Gabon, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau in laying wreaths at the Thiaroye cemetery, where 202 anonymous graves serve as a haunting reminder of the atrocity. France, represented by its Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the tribute, signaling a growing willingness to address its colonial-era actions.

In his speech, President Faye emphasized the importance of restoring the dignity of the victims and ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and valued. “This anniversary is not only a moment of remembrance but also a call to action to preserve our history and educate future generations about the courage and suffering of these African soldiers,” he said.

Initiatives to Preserve Memory and Promote Justice

To commemorate the massacre and ensure its historical significance is recognized, President Faye announced a series of measures, including:

1. Construction of a Memorial: A dedicated monument will be built at Thiaroye to honor the African riflemen who fought valiantly for freedom but were later betrayed.
2. Opening a Documentation and Research Center: This facility will provide resources for historians, students, and the public to study the Thiaroye massacre and broader African contributions to global conflicts.
3. Renaming Public Spaces: Streets and squares across Senegal will bear names reflecting the events of Thiaroye, ensuring that the massacre remains a part of everyday consciousness.
4. Incorporating Thiaroye into Curricula: The history of the massacre will be introduced into school syllabi to educate young Senegalese about this critical chapter in their nation’s past.
5. Supporting Historical Research: The Senegalese government will fund initiatives to uncover more details about the massacre, particularly to address the inconsistencies in official accounts and honor the memories of the unknown victims.

The events of December 1, 1944, unfolded during World War II when African soldiers—repatriated after fighting alongside the French army in Europe—were stationed at the Thiaroye military camp for demobilization. Known as Senegalese riflemen, these troops hailed from across West Africa and were pivotal to France’s war efforts.

However, upon their return, the soldiers faced mistreatment and were denied fair compensation for their service. When they demanded back pay and other entitlements, French colonial forces responded with violence. The soldiers were ambushed and shot, with the French authorities officially admitting to only 35 deaths. Historians, however, argue that the death toll was far higher, with some suggesting hundreds perished.