The Thiaroye massacre of 1944 involved French colonial troops killing Senegalese soldiers seeking unpaid wages. Photographer Yves Monteil documented this event in his book “Fecci Worma”, utilizing historical maps and infographics. His work reveals deep-rooted discrepancies in the official narrative, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging this colonial atrocity.
The Thiaroye massacre, which occurred on December 1, 1944, involved French colonial troops firing upon Senegalese soldiers returning from Europe after fighting for France. These soldiers, known as the “tirailleurs sénégalais,” had been promised equal pay and pensions but met with violence when they peacefully demanded their compensation. Estimates of the death toll vary widely, with some claiming over 300 fatalities, while French accounts initially reported only 35.
Yves Monteil, a French photographer, became interested in this tragic chapter of history after discovering the Thiaroye military cemetery during a visit to Senegal. He began researching the events surrounding the massacre and sought to document the overlooked stories of the Senegalese soldiers. His previous work analyzing policing in France revealed connections to colonial practices, leading him to further explore this historical narrative.
The outcome of Monteil’s extensive research and visual documentation culminated in a book titled “Fecci Worma,” meaning “High Treason” in Wolof. Over three years, he traveled between France and Senegal, recreating the march of the soldiers, taking photographs under comparable lighting conditions to those when the soldiers departed. He captured portraits of descendants, historians, artists, and the cemetery’s caretaker, enriching the narrative with their perspectives.
Monteil employed infographics and maps to elucidate the complex history, using French military archives to reconstruct the Thiaroye transit camp’s layout. By juxtaposing contemporary aerial images with historical maps, he unearthed forgotten geographical details that provided insights into the massacre’s location. His efforts yielded visuals that could significantly aid in archaeological investigations of the site.
Central to Monteil’s work is his collaboration with French historian Armelle Mabon, who provided crucial archives that highlight discrepancies in the official narrative surrounding the Thiaroye tragedy. Together, their efforts uncover critical omissions and contradictions in the recorded history of the massacre, emphasizing the need for accountability and recognition of this colonial atrocity. Monteil expresses frustration over the lack of findings from a French parliamentary commission established to explore the matter, illustrating ongoing gaps in the official record.
To maintain editorial control, Monteil opted for crowdfunding rather than traditional publishing avenues, reflecting his commitment to presenting an unfiltered account of the Thiaroye massacre. He articulates, “The Thiaroye massacre would not have interested many publishers.”
This comprehensive exploration of the Thiaroye massacre, illustrated by Monteil’s poignant visual storytelling, serves as a significant historical record that seeks to rectify the long-neglected narrative surrounding the Senegalese soldiers’ sacrifice during World War II.
The article highlights the Thiaroye massacre, a tragic event characterized by the violent suppression of Senegalese soldiers demanding their due compensation by French colonial troops. Yves Monteil’s photographic exploration, represented in his book “Fecci Worma,” offers a contemporary reflection on this historical injustice that remains shrouded in uncertainty due to official obstructions. Through meticulous research and collaboration with historians, Monteil aims to uncover the truth while ensuring that the legacy of these soldiers is honored and acknowledged.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
