2023-11-11 21:16:35
1914 Senegalese Tirailleurs with their flag
November 11 is a public holiday in Africa, as in many countries around the world, to commemorate the 1918 armistice which ended the First World War. This day has particular significance in Africa, where it serves to pay tribute to the many African soldiers who fought during the Great War.
Historical Contribution of African Soldiers
These soldiers, from all regions of the continent, participated in crucial battles of the conflict, enduring difficult conditions and often at great sacrifice. In Algeria, for example, more than 175,000 Algerian soldiers fought on the front lines, while in South Africa more than 20,000 black soldiers fought alongside British forces. In Egypt, more than 10,000 soldiers were recruited to serve in the Ottoman army. These figures demonstrate the scale of African involvement in the war, which extended beyond these countries, affecting almost all regions of the continent.
Official Ceremonies and Popular Events
The commemoration of November 11 offers the opportunity for official ceremonies and popular demonstrations. In Algeria, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune presided over the official 2023 ceremony, honoring fallen Algerian soldiers. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to black South African soldiers in a moving speech.
In Senegal, the official commemoration ceremony of November 11, 2023 was chaired by President Macky Sall. The Head of State laid a wreath of flowers at the foot of the war memorial, in tribute to the Senegalese soldiers who fought during the Great War.
In his speech, President Sall recalled that Senegal had sent more than 20,000 soldiers to fight alongside allied forces. He also paid tribute to the memory of these soldiers, who contributed to the Allied victory.
In addition to the official ceremony, popular demonstrations also took place in Senegal on November 11, 2023. Demonstrations organized by veterans’ associations, associations of descendants of African soldiers. But also by associations defending the rights of minorities.
These commemorations are supplemented by popular events organized by associations of veterans and descendants of African soldiers. In Algeria and South Africa, hundreds of people marched to pay tribute to these often forgotten heroes of history.
Post-War Impact and Contemporary Reflections
The participation of African soldiers in the First World War had profound repercussions in their countries of origin. It fueled independence movements and promoted political and social awareness. These aspects, often neglected in traditional history, are crucial to understanding the postcolonial evolution of Africa.
In addition, these commemorations are an opportunity to reflect on peace, reconciliation, and the fight once morest inequalities and discrimination. They remind us of the importance of recognizing the diversity and complexity of the history of war, and of respecting the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for a better future.
Thus, November 11 in Africa is more than just a day of historical commemoration; it is a moment of deep recognition and collective reflection on the past, present and future of the continent. By paying tribute to African soldiers, Africa is not only celebrating its history, but also reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice and equality for all.
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