Archaeologists Uncover Evidence of 1944 Colonial Massacre in Senegal

Archaeologists working at the Thiaroye Cemetery in Dakar, Senegal, have uncovered new evidence shedding light on a controversial World War II-era massacre of African soldiers by French colonial forces.

The killings occurred in December 1944 at the nearby Thiaroye Camp, where West African soldiers who had fought for France during World War II were stationed after returning from Europe. Tensions grew when the soldiers protested unpaid wages and demanded equal treatment with white troops. On December 1, French forces opened fire on them.

According to Colonel Saliou Ngom, director of the Senegalese army’s archives and historical heritage, archaeologists discovered seven skeletons during the excavations. One skeleton contained a bullet lodged in the left side near the heart, while others showed severe damage, including missing skulls, ribs, or spines. Some remains were found with iron chains around their shins, suggesting violence and possible detention before death.

Researchers say the graves appear more recent than the remains themselves, raising questions about whether the bodies were reburied later or if the burial sites were arranged to create the impression that victims had been properly interred. Many graves remain undocumented, and archaeologists have so far excavated only a small portion of the cemetery.

The site was originally created in 1926 by colonial authorities to bury African soldiers. Historians believe many of the riflemen killed in the massacre may have been buried there, though the exact identities and numbers remain uncertain. Senegal has long accused France of restricting access to colonial archives related to the tragedy.

An official report submitted to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye described the killings as a premeditated massacre that was later covered up. While French colonial authorities initially reported that around 70 soldiers died, researchers estimate the real toll could be between 300 and 400 victims.

In November 2024, Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that French colonial forces carried out a “massacre” at Thiaroye. President Faye has since authorised expanded archaeological investigations to locate possible mass graves and preserve the memory of the fallen soldiers.

Source: Newstimehub