SENEGALESE President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Cheikh Oumar Diagne, the minister in charge of administration and equipment at the presidency, following controversial comments about African soldiers who fought for France during the colonial era.
In a December interview with local FaFa TV, Diagne labelled the Senegalese ‘tirailleurs’—African infantrymen who fought in both World Wars and decolonisation struggles—as ‘traitors.’ His remarks sparked immediate backlash.
Outcry over insensitive comments
‘The riflemen are traitors. They fought against their brothers,’ Diagne said, provoking an outcry from across the nation. His statement was quickly condemned by various groups, including descendants of the soldiers who served under French command. Many took to social media and the media to voice their anger, calling the comments ‘insulting and shameful.’
In response, government spokesperson Moustapha Njekk Sarre reaffirmed the soldiers’ honour, stating, ‘I consider these riflemen to be heroes of the nation.’
Minister replaced amid controversy
Diagne was swiftly removed from office by presidential decree, with Papa Thione Dieng appointed as his successor. The decree, published Tuesday, did not provide a specific reason for the dismissal.
The timing of the comments was particularly sensitive, as December 1 marked the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, when French forces killed at least 35 African soldiers in 1944 after they protested poor conditions and unpaid wages. Some historians suggest the death toll could be as high as 400.
Historical legacy of Senegalese soldiers
The Senegalese tirailleurs, recruited from across West Africa, have long been celebrated for their service in the French military, despite their mistreatment during and after the wars. The uproar over Diagne’s statement underscores the ongoing tension between Senegal’s colonial history and its present-day identity.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the legacy of African soldiers who fought for colonial powers, and the deep emotional and political responses that such remarks can provoke in post-colonial societies.
