Senegal commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre on Sunday, honouring the African riflemen killed by French colonial forces on 1 December, 1944. For the first time, French President Emmanuel Macron has officially recognised the killings as a massacre – calling it a tragedy that demands the uncovering of the full truth.

Senegal on Sunday (December 1) commemorated the 80th anniversary of a massacre of African soldiers who fought for France during World War Two, and were gunned down by French troops in 1944 for demanding fair treatment and payment on their return.

On Senegal marks the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (November 28) for the first time recognized the killing of West African soldiers by the French Army in 1944 as a massacre in a letter addressed to the Senegalese authorities.