Sun Dec 01 23:03:20 UTC 2024: ## Senegal Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Thiaroye Massacre; France Acknowledges “Massacre”
**Thiaroye, Senegal –** Senegal marked the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre on December 1st, 2024, renewing calls for France to fully acknowledge its responsibility and apologize for the killing of Senegalese soldiers who fought for France in World War II. The massacre, which occurred in 1944, saw French troops gun down Senegalese soldiers demanding fair pay and treatment after their return from the war.
The commemoration ceremony, attended by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and other African heads of state, included a visit to the Thiaroye military cemetery. President Faye highlighted the soldiers’ sacrifices, while Minister Barrot acknowledged that a “chain of events led to a massacre.”
The death toll remains disputed, with estimates ranging from 35 to hundreds. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a letter to President Faye, referred to the events as a “massacre,” a significant step towards recognizing the gravity of the incident according to President Faye.
However, not all are satisfied. Gaspard Mbaye, head of an association honoring the soldiers’ memory, expressed disappointment, accusing France of concealing the truth. The event underscores the ongoing tension between France and its former African colonies, many of which are increasingly turning to Russia for security partnerships. Senegal’s continued demands for a full investigation and official apology highlight the lingering impact of colonial-era injustices.
First Piper 