Macron acknowledges 1944 massacre of West African troops by French forces

The recognition comes ahead of the 80th anniversary of the killings and at a time when France’s influence in its former colonies in West Africa is waning, reported by AP.

The victims were part of the Tirailleurs Sénégalais, a unit of colonial infantry in the French Army. These soldiers, who had fought in the Battle of France in 1940, were killed on 1 December 1944 after what French authorities at the time described as a mutiny. Estimates of the death toll range from 35 to 400. Historians suggest the killings followed a dispute over delayed wages, with French troops rounding up and executing the mostly unarmed West African soldiers.

In his letter, Macron wrote, “France must recognise that on that day, the confrontation between soldiers and riflemen demanding their full legitimate wages triggered a series of events that resulted in a massacre.” He emphasised the need to uncover the full truth behind the tragedy, stating, “It is also important to establish, as far as possible, the causes and facts that led to this tragedy.”

Macron also commended the Senegalese government’s initiative to set up a Committee for the Restoration of the Facts, led by renowned historian Professor Mamadou Diouf.

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who received Macron’s letter, called the gesture a significant step. “We have long sought closure on this story,” Faye told reporters on Thursday. “We believe that, this time, France’s commitment will be full, frank, and collaborative.”

The acknowledgment coincides with broader political shifts in Senegal. Following a decisive victory in recent legislative elections, Faye’s ruling party has pledged reforms to reduce economic reliance on foreign companies, including French ones, which maintain significant investments in Senegal.

Commenting on the presence of French troops in the country, Faye noted, “Historically, France enslaved, colonised, and stayed here. Obviously, I think when you reverse the roles, it would be hard to imagine another army—be it Chinese, Russian, Senegalese, or any other—having a military base in France.”

Currently, around 350 French troops remain in Senegal, primarily in a supportive capacity.

(with inputs from AP)