France’s recent recognition of the massacre that occurred on December 1, 1944, at the Thiaroye military camp, after nearly 80 years of denial, has sparked mixed reactions. This long-awaited gesture was welcomed by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, but nevertheless raises questions within the commemoration committee tasked with clearing up the shadows surrounding this historical tragedy.
Historian Mamadou Diouf, president of the committee, expresses some reservations about this belated recognition. For him, it was undeniable since 1944 that this massacre had taken place, and France can no longer ignore this reality. He insists on the need to shed full light on the events of this dark day in December 1944, declaring at a press conference that what matters above all is the truth.
The work of the committee, composed of six historians and a documentary filmmaker, has brought to light new discoveries. French archives have revealed death certificates of African riflemen who died in Dakar hospital between late 1944 and early 1945. This unprecedented discovery opens new perspectives for understanding the Thiaroye tragedy. Historian Rokhaya Fall, a member of the committee, emphasizes the importance of following a different approach to unearthing these precious documents buried in the twists and turns of history.
Nevertheless, it is premature to draw hasty conclusions. The work of the team of historians is far from complete, and it will take time to compile all of their discoveries and conclusions. A white paper should be submitted to the Senegalese authorities next March, reflecting the sum of their research and reflections.
This revelation of the archives and the highlighting of new elements allow a better understanding and contextualization of the Thiaroye massacre. This is an important step towards the recognition of this long-hidden tragedy, and a significant advance towards truth and justice for the victims of this colonial crime. At a time when historical memory and the quest for truth are more relevant than ever, the light shed on Thiaroye is an essential reminder of the importance of justice and reparation for the crimes of the past.