Macron Acknowledges 1944 Thiaroye Massacre of African Soldiers

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Macron Acknowledges 1944 Thiaroye Massacre of African Soldiers \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ French President Emmanuel Macron has officially recognized the 1944 Thiaroye massacre, where French soldiers killed West African troops over a wage dispute. The acknowledgment, issued in a letter to Senegalese authorities, marks a step toward confronting France’s colonial past as the country’s influence in West Africa wanes.

Macron Acknowledges Thiaroye Massacre: France Faces Colonial Past – Quick Looks

Historic Acknowledgment: Macron called the 1944 killing of West African soldiers a massacre for the first time.
What Happened: French troops killed 35–400 unarmed Senegalese soldiers in Thiaroye after a mutiny over unpaid wages.
Colonial Soldiers: Victims were part of the Tirailleurs Senegalais, a corps of African troops in the French Army.
Senegal’s Response: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the move and called for uncovering the full truth.
Future Inquiry: Macron pledged support for a fact-finding committee led by historian Mamadou Diouf.
Declining Influence: France’s acknowledgment comes amid waning influence in West Africa and rising anti-French sentiment.

Deep Look

France Acknowledges 1944 Thiaroye Massacre in Senegal: A Turning Point in Colonial Reckoning

In a historic move, French President Emmanuel Macron has for the first time acknowledged the Thiaroye massacre of December 1, 1944, as a “massacre” committed by French troops. Macron’s acknowledgment, communicated in a letter to Senegalese authorities, comes on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the killings and amid growing challenges to French influence in West Africa.

The massacre took place in Thiaroye, a fishing village near Senegal’s capital, Dakar. French soldiers killed between 35 and 400 West African troops, members of the Tirailleurs Sénégalais, a unit of African infantry that fought for France during World War II. The killings followed a mutiny by the soldiers, who were demanding unpaid wages after returning from the Battle of France in 1940.

Unpacking the Thiaroye Massacre

The Tirailleurs Sénégalais played a crucial role in France’s war effort during World War II. These colonial soldiers fought in grueling conditions, only to face systemic discrimination, lower pay than their French counterparts, and inadequate recognition for their sacrifices.

After the war, many West African soldiers returned home disillusioned. In the days leading up to December 1, 1944, tensions flared in Thiaroye as soldiers demanded the wages they were promised. French authorities responded with lethal force. The unarmed or lightly armed soldiers were rounded up, and many were summarily executed.

Macron’s letter directly addresses this painful chapter in French-Senegalese history. “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 wrote.

The letter emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth and outlines plans to support a Senegalese-led fact-finding initiative under historian Mamadou Diouf, a leading expert on colonial history.

Senegal’s Reaction: A Step Toward Closure

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed cautious optimism about Macron’s acknowledgment. Faye called it a necessary step toward reconciliation and emphasized the need for full transparency about the events of Thiaroye.

“We have long sought closure on this story,” Faye said. “This time, we believe France’s commitment will be full, frank, and collaborative.”

The Thiaroye massacre has long been a source of resentment for Senegal and other former French colonies, serving as a stark reminder of the injustices of colonial rule.

A Context of Declining French Influence

Macron’s acknowledgment comes at a time when France’s standing in West Africa is eroding. Former colonies like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have increasingly distanced themselves from Paris, expelling French troops and embracing closer ties with Russia and China.

In Senegal, anti-French sentiment has also grown. Newly elected President Faye has prioritized reducing economic dependence on France, including limiting the dominance of French companies in Senegal’s economy. He has also hinted at reconsidering the presence of French troops, who currently number about 350 and play a supportive role in the region.

“Historically, France enslaved, colonized, and stayed here,” Faye said. “Obviously, I think that when you reverse the roles a little, you will have a hard time conceiving that another army, China, Russia, Senegal, or any other country could have a military base in France.”

France’s Struggles with Its Colonial Legacy

This acknowledgment is part of Macron’s broader effort to confront France’s colonial past. In recent years, he has sought to repair relations with African nations by addressing historical grievances, including returning stolen artifacts and apologizing for colonial-era atrocities.

However, critics argue that these gestures have done little to reverse the structural imbalances that continue to define France’s relationships with its former colonies.

Macron’s recognition of the Thiaroye massacre may open the door to further historical reckoning, but it also underscores the enduring complexities of decolonization. For France and Senegal, it remains to be seen whether this moment will lead to meaningful change or simply serve as another symbolic gesture in a long history of unfulfilled promises.