The tragic story of the Senegalese Tirailleurs who fell in Thiaroye in 1944 remains a dark stain on Franco-Senegalese relations. The massacre that occurred on December 1st of that year remains etched in memories as a moment of betrayal and injustice.
The image of the silent graves of the Senegalese soldiers still resonates as a call to collective memory. These men, most of them former prisoners of war, were legitimately demanding their pay and compensation due for their services rendered. Instead of being heard, they were confronted with the blind violence of the French colonial forces, who repressed them mercilessly.
The recent recognition by President Emmanuel Macron of this act as a “massacre” is a first step towards truth and justice. This belated awareness reveals a willingness to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and begin a process of reconciliation. However, a formal apology from France is still awaited, because recognizing a massacre is not enough without taking full responsibility.
The gray areas surrounding this tragedy persist, fueling the duty of truth and the duty of remembrance. It is essential to pay tribute to these men who sacrificed their lives for the ideals of freedom and justice, but who were betrayed by an oppressive and discriminatory system.
The collaboration between France and Senegal to clarify the circumstances of this massacre is a step in the right direction. The opening of archives and the recognition of historical facts are essential to heal the still open wounds of colonial history and to build a future based on reconciliation and mutual respect.
The graves of the Senegalese Tirailleurs in Thiaroye are silent steles recalling the unfinished fight for truth, justice and memory. By honoring their sacrifice and recognizing the mistakes of the past, we can hope to build a better future, where the injustices of the past will never be repeated again.