Senegal mourns Thiaroye war heroes slain by French troops 80 years ago

Melissa Chemam with RFI

1 December 2024 at 2:12 am·1-min read

A mural in Dakar, Senegal, commemorates the Thiaroye massacre of December, 1944.

Senegal commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre on Sunday, honouring the African riflemen killed by French colonial forces on 1 December, 1944. For the first time, French President Emmanuel Macron has officially recognised the killings as a massacre – calling it a tragedy that demands the uncovering of the full truth.

The massacre unfolded at a military camp in Thiaroye, near Dakar, as West African soldiers who had fought for France in World War II demanded their unpaid wages. French troops opened fire, killing an unknown number of unarmed men.

The death toll remains disputed. While military authorities acknowledged 35 deaths at the time, some historians estimate between 300 and 400 victims.

"France must recognise that on that day, the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen who demanded their full legitimate wages be paid, triggered a chain of events that resulted in a massacre," Macron wrote in a letter to Senegalese authorities.

“It is also important to establish, as far as possible, the causes and facts that led to this tragedy.”

France honours WWII colonial troops shot dead by French army in Senegal

New chapter?

This year's commemorations have been prepared carefully, as the truth on the real scale of the massacre finally emerges.

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, speaking to reporters, said Macron’s words should “open the door” to uncovering the truth.

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