A new official report has revealed that the 1944 massacre of African soldiers by French colonial forces in Senegal was a premeditated and carefully covered-up operation, with the true death toll likely far higher than previously admitted.
French authorities at the time claimed that at least 35 World War II veterans were killed at the Thiaroye camp near Dakar after they protested unpaid wages. However, a committee of researchers has found that between 300 and 400 soldiers were likely killed in what it called a “meticulously planned” attack.
The 301-page report, submitted to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Thursday, urged France to “officially request forgiveness” from the families and communities of the victims.
Around 1,300 African troops from several West African countries had been sent to the Thiaroye camp in November 1944 after being released from German captivity, where they had fought for France during World War II. Tensions rose when the soldiers demanded equal treatment and full payment, leading to the tragic incident on December 1, 1944.
According to the committee, led by historian Mamadou Diouf, the massacre was “intended to reinforce the colonial order” and suppress growing demands for equality and independence after the war.
The researchers said French authorities at the time manipulated official records, altering departure lists, arrival data, and troop counts to conceal the extent of the killings.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, during a visit to Lagos on Friday, said France is “ready to cooperate with Senegal” to uncover the full truth about the event. “France will not turn away from its history,” he said, adding that both countries are working together on remembrance and reconciliation efforts.
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