2024-11-08 06:58:00
In a message published on This massacre, which took place near Dakar, concerns Senegalese riflemen who fought for France during the Second World War. According to Taché, these soldiers, after being held prisoner in Germany, were repatriated to be demobilized.
On their arrival in Thiaroye, they demanded their pay, a promise that remained unkept by the French army. Their refusal to leave without payment would have provoked violent repression: on December 1, 1944, French troops opened fire on unarmed riflemen, causing the death of 70 of them according to the authorities, a toll that some historians believe is much heavier. . As the 80th anniversary of the massacre approaches, Aurélien Taché calls for “complete recognition” of this tragedy by France, the opening of the archives and compensation for the victims’ descendants.
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For him, recognition of this event is crucial for Franco-Senegalese relations. He also calls for the creation of a parliamentary commission of inquiry to lift the veil on this little-known episode, which he considers to be a “major memorial issue” for France.
In full, Aurélien Taché’s column:
“In 2022, I went to Dakar alongside Jean Luc Melenchon where we met Ousmane Sonko. During our discussions, we returned many times to the Thiaroye massacre.
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Let me tell you about this state lie that is still too little known in France: In 1944, after years spent in German prisons in France, considered unclean for the soil of the Reich (guarded by Vichyists), the riflemen were released by the allies. A “troop laundering” operation is taking place: the State wants to demobilize them as quickly as possible. Far from home, they fought valiantly under the French flag for which many of them died.
Like any soldier, he demands fair compensation for their services and obtaining their pay. Until then, the General Staff has maintained vagueness on this subject, promising payment of their pay (promise made before and after their release) once they arrive in Senegal. Nearly 2,000 riflemen boarded the Circassia in Morlaix. Arriving at the Thiaroye barracks, where they are waiting to be repatriated to the various French colonies in Africa, the riflemen protest, while the army gives no news concerning the payment which is precisely due to them after these years of service.
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On November 28, 1944, the refusal of certain riflemen to leave before being fully paid led to the visit of General Marcel Dagnan. The exchanges are heated, the general leaves just as quickly, without having promised anything and considering having almost been “kidnapped”. On December 1, at 6:30 a.m., gendarmes, colonial artillery, an American tank and two machine guns showed up in Thiaroye, where the disarmed riflemen were barely waking up.
The camp is taken over by General Dagnan, who wants to make the riflemen pay for their stubbornness. The riflemen are gathered on the camp square. At 9:30 a.m., a first shot was fired without anyone knowing who was responsible. General Dagnan’s contingent opened fire on the disarmed riflemen. A real butchery begins. When the smoke settled, there were 70 dead among the riflemen, according to the general’s figures (several hundred according to some historians).
The bodies were buried in mass graves and the remaining riflemen were brought to justice for treason. Today, as the 80th anniversary of the massacre approaches, it is our duty to act.
We ask:
– Complete recognition of the massacre by France
– Opening the archives
– Compensation for the descendants of the victims
– The end of state lies.
Because this colonial massacre is a major memorial issue for our country and for the future of our relations with Senegal, I am asking for the opening of a parliamentary commission of inquiry to reveal the truth.”
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**Interview with Aurélien Taché on the Thiaroye Massacre and its Implications for Franco-Senegalese Relations**
*Host:* Welcome, Aurélien Taché. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the Thiaroye massacre and its ongoing significance.
*Aurélien Taché:* Thank you for having me.
*Host:* Could you start by giving us a brief overview of the Thiaroye massacre and why it remains a sensitive issue in France and Senegal?
*Aurélien Taché:* Certainly. The Thiaroye massacre occurred on December 1, 1944, near Dakar, when French troops opened fire on unarmed Senegalese riflemen who had returned from fighting for France during World War II. They were demanding their promised pay after being demobilized. Officially, about 70 soldiers were killed, but some historians believe the actual number could be much higher. This event is often referred to as a “state lie” because it has not received the recognition it deserves either in France or Senegal.
*Host:* You mentioned a “state lie.” What do you mean by this, and how has it impacted the memory of the massacre?
*Aurélien Taché:* The term refers to the lack of acknowledgment and transparency surrounding the massacre. For many years, there has been a reluctance to fully confront this dark chapter in history, which diminishes the honor and sacrifice of the soldiers. Ignoring such a significant event hinders the healing process and the opportunity for France to take responsibility, which is essential for improving Franco-Senegalese relations today.
*Host:* As we approach the 80th anniversary of the massacre, what steps do you believe should be taken to address this issue?
*Aurélien Taché:* I call for complete recognition of the tragedy by France. This includes opening archives related to the event, an official acknowledgment, and financial compensation for the descendants of the victims. Additionally, I advocate for a parliamentary commission of inquiry to shed light on this event, as it is a major memorial issue that requires thorough examination and public discourse.
*Host:* You mentioned your discussions about the Thiaroye massacre during your visit to Dakar in 2022. What was the context of those conversations, particularly with political figures like Ousmane Sonko?
*Aurélien Taché:* During my trip, alongside fellow politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, we met with Ousmane Sonko to discuss various issues, including the Thiaroye massacre. We shared our experiences and insights about the importance of commemorating this event. It highlighted the necessity of uniting voices from both France and Senegal to advocate for historical justice and acknowledgment.
*Host:* Thank you, Aurélien, for sharing your insights. The Thiaroye massacre is indeed a profound issue that warrants the attention it deserves.
*Aurélien Taché:* Thank you for bringing this important topic to light. It is vital that we continue to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and dignity.