Senegal commemorated the 80th anniversary of the tragic mass killings of West African soldiers by colonial forces in 1944, highlighting a significant chapter in its history. French President Emmanuel Macron, in a letter to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, acknowledged the event as a "massacre," admitting France's role in the atrocity. This acknowledgment comes as Senegal announced plans for the withdrawal of French soldiers stationed in the country, continuing a regional trend of reassessing ties with the former colonial power.
The Senegalese government has declared the presence of French military bases as "incompatible" with its sovereignty. President Faye announced that 350 French soldiers will leave Senegal, with both nations establishing terms for the full withdrawal of all French troops by the end of this year. A joint commission will oversee the "departure of French elements" and ensure a "restitution of military bases," marking a significant shift in Senegal's foreign policy.
This development aligns with broader movements across West and Central Africa, where countries are increasingly distancing themselves from French influence. In recent years, nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled approximately 4,300 French soldiers, following France's refusal to support the military coups that brought new governments to power in these regions. Ivory Coast has also announced its plans to withdraw French forces, while France completed its troop withdrawal from Chad earlier this year.
The decision in Senegal coincides with a historical reflection on the events of 1944. The soldiers of the Tirailleurs Sénégalais unit, who bravely fought in France’s war against Nazi Germany, protested delays in salaries and poor living conditions. The colonial soldiers' response was firing upon the unit, leading to a tragic loss of life. This somber anniversary serves as a reminder of the complex colonial legacy that continues to shape the region's political landscape.
