Remembering Thiaroye: Gabonese President Honors Fallen Senegalese Soldiers
Dakar, Senegal – Eighty years after a tragic massacre, leaders from across Africa gathered in Dakar this past Sunday to commemorate the Senegalese soldiers who lost their lives at Thiaroye. Among the dignitaries paying their respects was Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who joined his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in solemn remembrance.
December 1st, 1944, marked a dark chapter in Senegalese history, when colonial soldiers and French gendarmes opened fire on returning African soldiers. These brave men, having fought for freedom in World War II, were demanding promised compensation and back pay. The massacre at Thiaroye stands as a stark reminder of the brutalities of colonialism and the sacrifices made by African soldiers in the fight for global freedom.
The commemoration began with a poignant reflection by heads of state at the Thiaroye Cemetery, a somber pilgrimage to the memorial dedicated to the fallen, and culminated in a grand military and civilian ceremony held at Camp Amadou Lindor Fall in Thiaroye.
Attendees were united in their determination to keep the memory of the Thiaroye martyrs alive.
“On the one hand, it is about honoring the memory of the Senegalese and African riflemen who wrote, through their bravery and at the cost of their lives, an important page in the history of the common fight for freedom, justice and dignity general," stated one of the main speakers at the event.
The ceremony served not only as a tribute but also as a call for historical truth and reconciliation. The participation of President Nguema and his fellow African leaders underscores the enduring ties that bind these nations through their shared history and their commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all people.
In addition to the solemn ceremonies, the event also featured powerful artistic expressions. Winners of a poetry competition focused on the massacre shared their moving verses, while the haunting play "African Dawn" was performed at the Grand Théâtre National Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose, further echoing the tragedy and resilience of the Senegalese people.
This remembrance serves as a vital reminder of the importance of recognizing and learning from the darkest chapters of history. The massacre at Thiaroye stands as a tragic testament to the cost of colonial oppression, but it also inspires hope through the enduring legacy of struggle and the enduring power of solidarity among African nations.
