France is posthumously honoring the African soldiers who were killed by French troops in a massacre in Thiaroye, Senegal, during World War II.
Six of the soldiers, four from Senegal, one from Ivory Coast, and one from present-day Burkina Faso, are being honored at a memorial ceremony for having "died for France".
The decision was made ahead of the 80th anniversary of the events in Thiaroye in 1944, where at least 35 soldiers were shot dead by French troops. The soldiers, who had fought for France, had been sent back to West Africa after being held as prisoners of war by Nazi Germany.
French colonial troops opened fire on them when they protested against unpaid wages and poor conditions at the Thiaroye military camp outside Dakar, where they were stationed.
The remaining soldiers will, according to French authorities, be honored as soon as their identities can be established.
Aissata Seck, head of an organization that cares for the memory of African soldiers who fought for France, calls the event "a big step".
President Macron has, during his seven years in power, taken several steps to try to heal the historical wounds that France has inflicted on its relations with Africa. Some critics argue that the gestures, although welcome, are not far-reaching enough.
