Senegal Marks 80th Anniversary of Thiaroye Massacre

Senegal commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, where African soldiers who fought for France during World War II were brutally killed by French troops in 1944 for demanding fair compensation. The Senegalese government continues to call for France to take responsibility, officially apologize, and investigate the massacre, amidst concerns over France's diminishing influence in West Africa as countries turn towards Russian support. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the massacre in a recent letter to Senegal's president, marking a shift towards transparency, although discrepancies in the death toll remain, with estimates suggesting that up to 400 soldiers may be buried in mass graves. The event highlights ongoing demands for historical accountability and justice regarding colonial atrocities. The ceremony was attended by France's foreign affairs minister and other African leaders, emphasizing the significance of this historical event in Senegal's collective memory.