Senegal seeks justice 80 years after colonial massacre of African soldiers France Confronts Dark Chapter

Senegal marked the 80th anniversary of a horrific colonial-era massacre, which saw African soldiers, who had fought for France during World War II, shot dead by French troops in 1944.

The soldiers were killed after they demanded fair treatment and proper payment upon their return, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The commemoration in Thiaroye, a fishing village on the outskirts of Senegal's capital, Dakar, was attended by France's foreign affairs minister, along with other African heads of state, as calls for a full investigation into the massacre continue.

Senegal has long sought accountability from its former colonizer, demanding an official apology and a thorough investigation into the killings. According to the French military, between 35 and 75 soldiers were killed during the incident.

However, historians challenge this figure, asserting that nearly 400 individuals lost their lives. There have been calls for the exhumation of mass graves in Thiaroye to confirm the true number of casualties, with accusations that France has long concealed or falsified records relating to the massacre.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal noted that, for the first time, France has officially acknowledged that French soldiers were responsible for the massacre. This recognition came in a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron.

"France must recognize that on that day, the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen who demanded their full, legitimate wages triggered a chain of events that resulted in a massacre," Macron stated.

Macron also pledged to work closely with Senegalese officials to uncover the full truth behind the events at Thiaroye. In response, President Faye expressed hope that France's engagement would now be "complete, frank and collaborative."

Aminata Toure, former Prime Minister of Senegal, described the commemoration as a “moment of justice,” emphasizing the importance of educating young people—70% of Senegal’s population is under 30—about this hidden chapter of their history.

"This massacre has been hidden, and now we are unfolding the truth," she said.

The anniversary comes amid growing opposition to France’s military presence in several African countries, with France announcing plans to reduce its forces in the region. In response, many West African nations have increasingly turned to Russia for security assistance.

By Aghakazim Guliyev