The story of the Thiaroye massacre on December 1, 1944 still resonates today in Senegal’s collective memory. This sinister event, where the French army opened fire on its own soldiers, African riflemen demanding payment of their wages, remains a dark chapter in colonial history.
The recent international symposium on the Thiaroye massacre organized at Cheikh-Anta-Diop University in Dakar highlighted the difficulty of accessing the archives relating to this tragic episode. Serigne Seye, member of the scientific committee of the commemoration, stressed the importance of full access to the archives to shed light on these events.
The call for full consultation of the archives aims to lift the veil on the persistent gray areas surrounding this massacre. Indeed, historians have highlighted the manipulation and falsification of certain reports relating to this event, compromising the accurate understanding of the facts.
The quest for truth and justice surrounding the Thiaroye massacre has not diminished with time. Populations, communities and researchers are calling for the restitution of archives to know the truth about the number of victims, the circumstances of the massacre and the demands of the riflemen before their execution.
The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre was an opportunity for Senegal to remember and pay tribute to the soldiers who fell that day. For the Senegalese authorities, it is crucial to inscribe this traumatic event in the collective memory in order to recognize and do justice to these sacrificed riflemen.
The ceremony at the Thiaroye military camp symbolizes the desire of the new Senegalese authorities to honor the memory of these soldiers and to reestablish the historical truth. This process of remembrance aims to raise awareness among current and future generations about the consequences of the unjust acts of the past and to preserve the dignity and respect due to those who were victims of colonial oppression.
In conclusion, the Thiaroye massacre remains a poignant reminder of the dark hours of history, but also a call for truth, justice and reconciliation. It is essential to give pride of place to the memory of these forgotten soldiers so that their sacrifice is not in vain and their history is not forgotten.