Bullets unearthed in Senegal cemetery could shed light on Thiaroye massacre
Excavations at the Thiaroye military cemetery began in early May. These are aimed at shedding light on the events of 1 December, 1944, when African riflemen who had fought for France during the Second World War – known as tirailleurs – were shot dead after protesting against unpaid wages.
The episode marks one of the worst massacres during French colonial rule, and questions remain concerning the number of soldiers killed, their identities and where they were buried.
French authorities at the time said 35 people had been killed, but historians say the real death toll could be as high as 400.
"Human skeletons were discovered with bullets in their bodies, some in the chest," a source close to the matter told France's AFP news agency, adding that the bullets were of different calibres.
Visual retelling of Thiaroye massacre sheds new light on French colonial atrocity
Only a small section of the cemetery has been excavated so far, the source said, adding that forensic analysis is now required to determine the type of bullets and weapons used and to identify individuals buried at the site.
The French forces opened fire on the soldiers on 1 December of that year.
(with newswires)
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:Visual retelling of Thiaroye massacre sheds new light on French colonial atrocitySenegal mourns Thiaroye war heroes slain by French troops 80 years ago
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A trophy hunter killed a lion in Zimbabwe that was part of a research project, sparking anger
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