**The Thiaroye Massacre: A Tragedy Hidden for Too Long**
The Thiaroye Massacre, which occurred in 1944, remains a dark stain on Franco-Senegalese colonial history. This tragedy, in which demobilized Senegalese soldiers who had fought alongside France during World War II were coldly killed, remains a sensitive subject on both the Senegalese and French sides.
As the 80th anniversary of this sinister event approaches, a delegation of Senegalese historians and archivists traveled to France to explore the archives on the massacre. While Paris claims to have handed over all the archives in its possession, there is still suspicion in Senegal that some documents may have been hidden to conceal the truth.
Mamadou Diouf, a renowned historian at Columbia University and president of the Senegalese commemoration committee, points out this desire to cover up. According to him, there is a reluctance to reveal all the details of this tragedy, perhaps fearing that it will tarnish France’s image.
Is this desire to conceal really at play? The questions remain unanswered, fueling a complex historical and memorial debate between France and Senegal. The mural in Dakar commemorating the Thiaroye massacre recalls the importance of remembering this tragedy and understanding all its aspects, even the darkest.
In this period of commemoration, it is essential to recognize the errors of the past to build a more enlightened future that respects the memory of the victims. The duty of remembrance obliges us not to forget the injustices of the past, to study them and teach them to prevent them from happening again. The Thiaroye massacre is not just a chapter in history, it is a poignant reminder of the need for truth and justice.
By exploring the archives and continuing the work of remembrance around this tragedy, France and Senegal will be able to move forward together towards a deeper understanding of their shared past. Confronting these dark pages of history will strengthen the ties between the two countries and honour the memory of the Senegalese soldiers who fell at Thiaroye.