Archaeological excavations are currently being conducted in **Thiaroye**, Senegal, where **African tirailleurs** were massacred by the **French army** in 1944. This information was reported by the **France-Presse (AFP)** agency on May 21.
Numerous questions remain regarding the specifics of the massacre that occurred on December 1, 1944. This tragic event, considered one of the darkest moments of French colonization in **Senegal**, has left many uncertainties: the exact number of victims, their identities, and the location of their burial. Although French authorities initially acknowledged the deaths of 35 soldiers, historians estimate that the number may be as high as **400 soldiers**.
Article reserved for our subscribers Massacre of Thiaroye on December 1, 1944: “I was 5 years old, grandmother told me ‘your father is dead’.”
The excavations have been underway for ten days at the Thiaroye military cemetery in the suburbs of **Dakar**, where it is believed that the victims of the massacre may have been buried. The length of these research efforts and their potential expansion to other areas have not yet been disclosed.
Officials from the **80th anniversary** commemoration committee for the Thiaroye massacre did not wish to comment on these excavations. Access to the cemetery has been closed for the past **two months** due to ongoing work. A manager of the area stated to **AFP** that the Senegalese government would provide information about the excavations when the time is appropriate.
The Pursuit of Truth
Researchers have long demanded excavations in the **Thiaroye cemetery** and the nearby military camp where the slain tirailleurs were housed. Their goal is to complete their understanding of the December 1944 massacre.
On February 19, the Senegalese government announced these excavations as part of an effort for **”truth manifestation.”** The government has criticized France for allegedly concealing the facts surrounding the massacre, particularly by withholding archival documents that could clarify the **human toll**.
The massacre of Thiaroye, a political issue between Senegal and France
In April 2024, Senegalese authorities celebrated **sovereignty** by forming a committee of researchers tasked with submitting a report on the massacre by April 3. However, no official reasons were given for delaying the delivery of this report.
At the end of November 2024, France formally recognized the massacre right before commemorating the **80th anniversary** of the tragic event, which Senegal marked with unprecedented solemnity.
Newsletter
“Le Monde Afrique”
Every Saturday, find a weekly roundup and debates, by subscribing to “World Africa.”
Register
On December 1, 1944, the **French colonial forces** massacred repatriated tirailleurs who had fought in **Europe** during World War II. The victims were not exclusively Senegalese; they hailed from various **African nations**. They were demanding the payment of outstanding balances owed to them.
Reuse this content