Barrow joins Senegal to mark 80 years of Thiaroye massacre

President Barrow, alongside other Heads of State, laid a wreath at Thiaroye cemetery to pay respect to fallen heroes.

In his remarks, the Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, announced that he had set up an international research committee to establish the facts related to the tragedy. He added that the purpose of the commemoration is not to promote hate but to restore the honour and dignity of the fallen riflemen.

On behalf of the President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot acknowledged the massacre of the Tirailleurs and condemned the brutality of the French perpetrators. He called for an investigation to determine the number of casualties in the Thiaroye 1944 incident, as the exact number of victims remains uncertain due to differing accounts of the event. Barrot also urged for efforts to focus on collective memories that foster unity.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the African Union, the Chairman and President of Mauritania, H.E. Ghazouni, commended the “unwavering courage” of the African Tirailleurs demonstrated in fighting for their rights.

The Senegalese Tirailleurs were among West African army troops who fought for the French during colonial days. After their repatriation to the Thiaroye military camp in Senegal, the African soldiers demanded their unpaid wages, which did not go well with the French, and they massacred them. (Source State House)