The Tragedy of Thiaroye: Honoring the Memory of Forgotten Heroes
In the heart of the small town of Thiaroye, a Senegalese fishing village steeped in history and memory, lies a military cemetery where hundreds of forgotten soldiers from World War II rest. Among them is M’Bap Senghor, the father of Biram Senghor, a leading figure in a tireless quest for truth and justice.
On December 1, 1944, these brave fighters, members of the “Tirailleurs Sénégalais,” paid with their lives for their legitimate demand for payment of unpaid wages. Massacred by French troops, their sacrifice remains etched in the obscurity of history, their anonymous graves cementing a desire for reparation and repentance.
As the 80th anniversary of this massacre approaches, French President Macron, in a historic gesture, recognized the event as a true tragedy. However, the real number of victims remains unclear, suggesting the extent of the horror experienced by these forgotten soldiers.
Historians agree that more than 35 or 70 men were killed that day, evoking a number much closer to the 400 souls sacrificed. Martin Mourre, a passionate historian and expert author on the history of Thiaroye, highlights the absence of armed confrontation during the massacre, pointing to an inexcusable execution of defenseless men.
Faced with these persistent gray areas, the quest for truth remains hampered by the silence of the French archives and authorities. While symbolic gestures have been made, key documents remain missing, casting doubt on the transparency of military reports and testimonies.
Now, under the leadership of the Senegalese President, a new era is dawning for the memory of Thiaroye. Spearheading an unprecedented national commemoration, Senegal aspires to rewrite its history, to make this tragedy a cornerstone of its national narrative.
At a time when France sees its influence weakening in the region, the Senegalese initiative is part of a dynamic of reappropriation of its past, breaking the chains of silence and oblivion. Throughout the centuries, Thiaroye remains a symbol of resistance and honor, reminding the world of the need to recognize and celebrate the memory of these unknown heroes.
Thus, Biram Senghor continues his silent pilgrimage, bowing before his father’s nameless tomb, carrying the torch of Thiaroye’s memory, his steps resonating like a call for justice and truth, so that history never forgets them.