President Faye Announces Memorial, Educational Reforms, and “Tirailleur Day” to Honor Fallen Soldiers

DAKAR, Senegal (BG) – On the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye delivered a poignant speech emphasizing the enduring need for dignity, justice, and recognition for the ‘Tirailleurs Sénégalais’ and their descendants.

The official ceremony, presided over by Senegalese President Faye, was held at the Thiaroye military camp near the capital city of Dakar, in the presence of several African heads of state.

Among them were Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, president of Mauritania and chair of the African Union; Adama Barrow of The Gambia; Umaru Sissokho Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon; and Assoumani Azali of the Comoros.

Also in attendance were Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, members of the government, representatives of the armed forces, elected officials, and foreign diplomats. Delegations from France, Cameroon, Djibouti, Chad, and Burkina Faso paid tribute to the victims of this historical tragedy.

The Thiaroye massacre occurred on Dec. 1, 1944, when demobilized Senegalese Tirailleurs, gathered at the Thiaroye military camp after fighting for France during World War II, were killed by French colonial forces. The soldiers were demanding the payment of overdue wages and indemnities promised for their service in liberating France.

President Faye reaffirmed the importance of historical truth and justice. “This commemoration is more than just remembering a tragic event; it is a collective oath to honor the dignity of those who fought and fell for the values of freedom, justice, and humanity,” Faye said.

He emphasized that the remembrance serves not only as a reflection of past sacrifices but also as a call to restore the honor of the Tirailleurs and ensure their legacy endures. “The dignity of the people must be at the core of our actions. The story of the Tirailleurs is not merely history; it is a reminder that we must continually fight for respect, equality, and justice for all,” he said.

‘Martyrs for Africa’ and for the Pan-African spirit‘

Professor Mamadou Diouf, president of the committee for the 80th anniversary commemoration, addressed the gathering, highlighting the historical injustice faced by the Tirailleurs.

“Eighty years have passed since the tragic massacre of the Tirailleurs, an event long minimized and buried by colonial authorities,” said Diouf. “The colonial authorities attempted to hide the truth, to minimize the sacrifice of these men. Their bravery was met with silence, and for far too long, they were left out of our collective memory.”

Diouf stressed the importance of breaking the silence and reclaiming the narrative of the massacre. “It is essential to break the silence and firmly express our perspective, our commentary, and our creative interpretations of the event. For us Senegalese, Thiaroye is, as tragic as it is majestic, an opportunity to grant the victims of the massacre the status of ‘martyrs for Africa’ and for the Pan-African spirit.”

He praised recent steps to unveil the truth, including the French government’s decision to make archival records accessible. “Making these archives available allows us to finally acknowledge the injustice and pay respect to the Tirailleurs,” he said.

“This anniversary commemoration is not just a tribute to the Tirailleurs but a recognition of their rightful place in history. We must ensure that their sacrifices are respected and remembered,” Diouf emphasized.

French Acknowledgment

Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, also participated in the commemoration and spoke about France’s efforts to honor the Tirailleurs’ sacrifices.

He stressed the importance of truth and fairness in telling the Tirailleurs’ stories. “We must be transparent about the objectives, truthful about the reality of actions, and fair in recounting the stories that belong to these soldiers,” he added.

Barrot acknowledged that the ceremony represents a significant step in recognizing the rightful place of the Tirailleurs in history and honoring their contributions to France.

A Collective Commitment to Memory

The commemoration demonstrated a collective commitment to preserving the memory of the Tirailleurs. Delegations from across Africa and beyond came together to honor the victims of the massacre and the ideals they fought for.

President Faye also announced several initiatives to immortalize the legacy of the Tirailleurs, including the construction of a memorial at Thiaroye, the establishment of a documentation and research center, and the integration of the Tirailleurs’ story into school curricula.

Faye further declared Dec. 1 to be observed annually as “Tirailleur Day,” ensuring their legacy is remembered for generations to come.

“This commemoration must be more than a time of repentance—it must be a time of renewed oaths: an oath of justice, an oath of memory, an oath of truth,” Faye said. “We honor heroes today, and by doing so, we must also be faithful to their values and their vision of a just world.

For the truth of history, for the dignity of Thiaroye’s sacrifice, we continue our journey toward justice, freedom, and equality.”

The 80th anniversary commemoration of the Thiaroye massacre is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Tirailleurs and the need to uphold their dignity. It reflects a collective effort to ensure their struggles are remembered, their sacrifices respected, and their rightful place in history fully recognized.