France's 1944 massacre in West Africa historic tragedy for continent, South Sudanese diplomat says

The killings of West African soldiers by France in 1944 were a historic tragedy for the countries of the continent, Majok Guandong, the Ambassador of South Sudan to Türkiye, told Report.

The diplomat commented on French President Emmanuel Macron's letter to the Senegalese government.

Ambassador Guandong noted that France's recent admission of the killings opens the door for dialogue. "We do not want any force or neocolonialism applied against African countries," he stated. The ambassador believes that the 1944 incident was a historic tragedy for the continent, and Paris' official step could lead to the creation of dialogue not only between France and its former colonies in West Africa but also with other African nations.

On December 1, 1944, during World War II, up to 400 West African soldiers fighting alongside the French army were shot dead. The massacre was a result of a revolt triggered by the non-payment of wages. The majority of those killed were members of the colonial infantry corps "Tirailleurs Senegalais" (Senegalese Riflemen).

In his letter to the Senegalese government, French President Emmanuel Macron officially referred to the killing of West African soldiers as a massacre for the first time. He emphasized the importance of determining all the truths about the tragedy.