President Adama Barrow of The Gambia participated in a commemoration event in Senegal to honor the West African tirailleurs who were killed at Thiaroye in 1944. These riflemen were massacred by French troops after demanding their pay.
During the ceremony, President Barrow and other African leaders laid wreaths at the Thiaroye cemetery as a tribute to the fallen soldiers. The event was marked by remarks from various dignitaries.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the establishment of an international research committee to uncover facts about the tragedy. He emphasized that the commemoration aims to restore honor and dignity to the deceased, not to incite hatred.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, representing President Emmanuel Macron, acknowledged the massacre and condemned the actions of those responsible. He called for an investigation into the number of casualties from the 1944 incident, noting that accounts vary on how many victims there were. Barrot also highlighted the importance of focusing on collective memories that promote unity.
H.E. Ghazouni, Chairman of the African Union and President of Mauritania, praised the "unwavering courage" shown by African Tirailleurs in their fight for rights.
The Senegalese Tirailleurs were part of West African troops who served France during colonial times. Upon returning to Senegal's Thiaroye military camp, they demanded unpaid wages, leading to their tragic massacre by French forces.
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