Visual Retelling of the Thiaroye Massacre: Uncovering a Colonial Atrocity
Yves Monteil captures the Thiaroye massacre’s historical significance through photography and research, focusing on the unjust killings of Senegalese soldiers by French troops in 1944. His work reveals discrepancies in historical accounts and seeks to honor the memory of the victims while advocating for a clearer narrative regarding colonial atrocities.
French photographer Yves Monteil, upon discovering the burial site of Senegalese soldiers in Thiaroye, has embarked on a project to document the Thiaroye massacre—an atrocity committed by French colonial troops on December 1, 1944, against West African soldiers demanding unpaid wages. These soldiers, known as the tirailleurs sénégalais, faced deadly gunfire when they gathered peacefully to claim the pay and pensions promised to them.
Monteil’s interest in the massacre grew from his prior work regarding policing methods in France, where he recognized parallels to colonial practices. He aimed to honor the Senegalese soldiers whose story had largely been neglected, culminating in his book titled Fecci Worma, which translates to “High Treason” in Wolof. Over three years, he meticulously retraced the events, creating a visual narrative that included photography, infographics, and maps.
His photographic journey spanned locations in both France and Senegal, capturing the atmosphere of historical moments such as the soldiers’ departures and the site of the massacre. Monteil also emphasizes the importance of illustrating historical data, managing to reconstruct the Thiaroye transit camp layout and overlaying current images with historical maps to uncover buried geographical truths.
Monteil’s research utilized various sources, from military documents to testimonies, while collaborating with French historian Armelle Mabon, who provided insights into the gaps in the historical narrative. Together, they confront the inconsistencies in the official records, stressing the need to uncover the truth about the Thiaroye events 80 years on.
The visual retelling of the Thiaroye massacre by Yves Monteil sheds essential light on a significant yet overlooked chapter of French colonial history. Through diligent research and artistic representation, Monteil not only honors the fallen soldiers but also challenges existing narratives filled with inaccuracies. His ongoing efforts to reveal the truth highlight the pressing need for a comprehensive historical account, reinforcing the importance of remembering and acknowledging past atrocities for future discourse.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
