**Keeping Memory: The Lessons of Thiaroye and Current Challenges in Africa**
December 1st marks a contradictory day in Africa, as nations unite to fight HIV/AIDS, a lingering historical scar remains in Franco-African relations, recalling the horrors of the Thiaroye massacre. Indeed, 77 years ago, in Thiaroye, on the outskirts of Dakar, Senegalese tirailleurs, allies of France, were brutally massacred while simply demanding their pay after fighting for a cause that was not theirs.
This long-hidden tragedy testifies to the deep scars of colonization and underscores the need to acknowledge and confront painful aspects of shared Franco-African history. The questions persist: How many Tirailleurs were there really? Where have the bodies of these unsung heroes of history disappeared to? Finally, what does President Macron’s belated acknowledgement of this massacre mean for Franco-African relations today?
In parallel, the African continent is still battling another serious threat: HIV/AIDS. With approximately 25 million people carrying the virus, Africa remains the hotbed of this pandemic. Despite medical advances and increased awareness, it is imperative to continue fighting this devastating disease in order to preserve the health and well-being of African populations.
Furthermore, in southern Libya, the cities of Morzouq and Sebha have been the scene of violent conflicts and civil wars since 2011. The reconstruction effort led by the Belgacem Haftar Fund, son of Marshal Haftar, aims to restore stability and prosperity in these regions, which are crucial to the Libyan economy, particularly because of their proximity to the country’s valuable oil fields.
Thus, between the duty of remembrance, the fight against contemporary evils and reconstruction efforts, Africa continues to write its history with resilience and determination. It is essential for nations around the world to support these efforts, to recognize the mistakes of the past and to work together for a more just and equitable future for all.