Senegal: Complaint filed against minister who called riflemen “traitors”
On Thursday, December 26, the African Federation of Descendants of Senegalese Riflemen filed a formal complaint against Cheikh Oumar Diagne, Minister and Advisor to the Presidency of Senegal. The complaint comes after Diagne controversially described the Senegalese riflemen of Thiaroye as “traitors” during an interview on the local television channel ‘Fafa TV’ on December 21. His remarks have ignited widespread outrage across Senegal and beyond.
In his interview, Cheikh Oumar Diagne accused the Senegalese riflemen of betraying their own people by “fighting against their brothers.” This statement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly given its timing, just days after the annual commemoration of the Thiaroye massacre—a tragic event in Senegal’s history when mutinous Senegalese riflemen were executed by French colonial forces in 1944.
Gueye Para, President of the African Federation of Descendants of Senegalese Riflemen, expressed his anger and disbelief, highlighting the minister’s presence at the commemoration. “He was there, in Thiaroye, honoring the memory of the Senegalese riflemen. A few days later, he turns around and says they don’t deserve these honors? That is scandalous! And yet he remains in office at the presidency?” Para stated.
The federation has called for immediate action, urging the government to address the controversy. Gueye Para specifically hopes that the upcoming general policy statement by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday, December 27, will include an announcement of Cheikh Oumar Diagne’s dismissal. “What we solemnly ask of the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, is to relieve him of his duties and ensure justice is served. This is why we have lodged a complaint with the public prosecutor,” Para explained.
The backlash extends beyond Senegal’s borders, with figures from neighboring countries also condemning the remarks. Para noted that people from Guinea, Chad, Ivory Coast, and Congo have reacted with anger, interpreting Diagne’s statement as an affront to the legacy of the Senegalese riflemen and the broader African military contributions during colonial times.
“Cheikh Oumar Diagne has insulted the Senegalese army and spat on the tombs of the riflemen. This outrage has reverberated across Africa,” Para concluded.
