France Admits to 1944 Massacre as Senegal’s Faye Hints at Ending French Military Base
French President Emmanuel Macron has issued an apology for the 1944 massacre of West African soldiers by the French Army in Thiaroye, Senegal, describing it as a “massacre” for the first time. His apology comes as Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hints at reevaluating France’s military presence in the country.
Macron’s apology, conveyed in a letter to the Senegalese government ahead of the 80th anniversary of the tragedy, marks a significant moment in France’s acknowledgment of its colonial past. The letter was received by President Faye, who stated that the gesture could pave the way for “the whole truth about this painful event of Thiaroye” to emerge.
“We have long sought closure on this story and we believe that, this time, France’s commitment will be full, frank, and collaborative,” Faye told reporters.
The massacre occurred on December 1, 1944, when French troops killed between 35 and 400 members of the Tirailleurs Sénégalais, a corps of West African infantry in the French Army. These soldiers, who had fought for France during World War II, were demanding unpaid wages when they were shot, despite being largely unarmed. Macron acknowledged that “the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen who demanded their full legitimate wages triggered a chain of events that resulted in a massacre.”
The French President further committed to supporting the Senegalese government’s investigation, which is being led by Professor Mamadou Diouf, to establish the causes and facts surrounding the tragedy. “It is important to establish, as far as possible, the causes and facts that led to this tragedy,” Macron wrote.
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In a broader reflection on Senegal’s relationship with France, Faye alluded to the need for greater sovereignty.
“Historically, France enslaved, colonized, and stayed here. Obviously, when you reverse the roles a little, you will have a hard time conceiving that another army—be it from China, Russia, Senegal, or any other country—could have a military base in France,” he said, hinting at the possible removal of French troops stationed in Senegal.
While President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria is currently in France to strengthen ties with Paris, Senegal’s stance mirrors the growing resistance to French influence in West Africa. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have already severed military and political ties with France, reflecting a broader trend of African nations reclaiming control over their sovereignty.
