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80th Anniversary of Thiaroye Massacre Revives Calls for Justice and Historical Clarity
As Senegal marks the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, the tragic events of December 1, 1944, are back in focus, highlighting long-standing tensions between Senegal and its former colonial power, France. Historians estimate that hundreds of West African riflemen, soldiers in the French Army during World War II, were killed by French troops after demanding unpaid wages.
Among those seeking answers is 86-year-old Biram Senghor, who regularly visits the anonymous graves in a military cemetery in Thiaroye, near Dakar, to honor his father, M’Bap Senghor, one of the soldiers killed that day. “I have been fighting to get answers for over 80 years,” Senghor said.
The victims were part of the Tirailleurs Sénégalais, a corps of colonial infantry that fought in both World Wars. The massacre followed disputes over unpaid wages, with unarmed African soldiers reportedly shot dead by French troops. Official French military reports initially minimized the death toll, citing 35 or 70 deaths, and labeled the killings as a response to a “mutiny.” However, many historians believe the number of victims was likely in the hundreds.
Macron Acknowledges the Massacre
French President Emmanuel Macron officially recognized the events of Thiaroye as a massacre in a letter to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Macron acknowledged the “chain of events” that led to the killings, though he stopped short of specifying the number of victims.
Historians, including Martin Mourre, author of Thiaroye 1944, History and Memory of a Colonial Massacre, dispute claims of a mutiny, pointing to the absence of weapons among the riflemen and no injuries reported among French soldiers. “What happened on December 1st was the execution of unarmed soldiers,” Mourre asserted.
Despite Macron’s acknowledgment, transparency remains limited. While French President François Hollande transferred some archival materials to Senegal in 2014, key documents—such as the location of mass graves and the number of soldiers present—remain unavailable.
Senegal Takes Control of the Narrative
Under President Faye, Senegal is prioritizing the Thiaroye massacre in its national narrative. Major commemorations will take place from December 1, 2024, to April 2025, including public events and social media campaigns aimed at educating younger generations.
“The goal is to make Thiaroye part of Senegal’s national story,” said Babacar Ndiaye, a political analyst with the Wathi think tank.
The anniversary coincides with a broader decline in French influence in West Africa, as nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso distance themselves from Paris. Senegal’s president has also hinted at reevaluating the presence of French troops in the country, reflecting a growing sentiment of reclaiming sovereignty.
As commemorations unfold, Senegal’s efforts to shed light on the massacre signal a renewed commitment to historical justice and a redefinition of its post-colonial identity.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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