Documenting Colonial Histories: The Thiaroye Massacre Through Visual Storytelling
Yves Monteil’s visual documentation of the Thiaroye massacre highlights the mistreatment of Senegalese soldiers by the French army in 1944. Through the book “Fecci Worma,” Monteil combines photography, infographics, and historical research to expose the overlooked narrative and ongoing discrepancies in the official account of the massacre. His independent approach seeks to honor the legacy of the victims and initiate archaeological efforts to uncover the truth.
In 2020, photographer Yves Monteil focused on the Thiaroye massacre in Senegal, where Senegalese troops returning from WWII were shot by French forces over unpaid wages. The exact death toll is disputed, with official French reports stating 35 deaths, while other estimates suggest over 300 casualties. Monteil’s work aims to honor the memory of these forgotten soldiers by documenting their story through photography and research.
Monteil’s book, titled “Fecci Worma,” meaning “High Treason” in Wolof, took three years to create. He retraced the soldiers’ journey from Morlaix, France, where they boarded a ship, to Thiaroye, where they were killed. By capturing images in similar lighting to the day of departure and including portraits of descendants and historians, he provides a vivid narrative of the massacre.
Using infographics and maps, Monteil provides context and historical data, reconstructing the layout of the Thiaroye camp. He overlays modern aerial images with historical maps to illustrate changes over time. His findings contributed to ongoing efforts by the Senegalese government for archaeological excavations to uncover the full extent of the casualties.
Monteil collaborated with historians, including Armelle Mabon, who granted access to archives that highlight discrepancies in the official narrative of the massacre. Their goal is to reveal hidden histories and address the significant omissions still present in records 80 years later. Monteil remarks on the ongoing challenges in accessing complete historical accounts and the necessity of independent research.
Choosing crowdfunding for his project ensured editorial independence, as traditional publishers showed little interest in the Thiaroye massacre. Monteil’s work combines photography, historical reconstruction, and archival research to shed light on this significant yet overlooked event in French colonial history, hoping to keep the memory of the victims alive.
Yves Monteil’s documentation of the Thiaroye massacre reveals the complexities of historical narratives surrounding colonial atrocities. Through photography and extensive archival research, he brings attention to the forgotten story of Senegalese soldiers. This project aims not only to honor those who perished but also to confront the gaps and discrepancies present in the official accounts. The ongoing quest for truth and acknowledgment of past injustices remains crucial for both historians and descendants of the soldiers.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
