A Senegalese man has filed a complaint accusing France of hiding his colonial soldier father’s remains after killing him in World War II.
Lawyer Mbaye Dieng filed the case Tuesday in Paris on behalf of Biram Senghor, who is at least 86 years old.
M’Bap Senghor died on December 1, 1944, when French forces shot African soldiers demanding unpaid wages at Thiaroye, Senegal.
Historians estimate up to 400 soldiers were killed, far more than the official count of 35.
France initially denied Senghor’s death, calling him a deserter, and only recognised it officially in 1953.
Last year, France honoured Senghor and five others as heroes who died for the country.
Dieng demands France reveal the burial site and pay reparations long overdue.
Excavations at Thiaroye recently uncovered skeletons with bullet wounds, renewing hope for answers.
Thousands of African soldiers fought for France in two world wars but faced discrimination and neglect.
The Thiaroye massacre remains a painful symbol of colonial injustice and broken promises.
