Researchers honoured for their contribution to the history of First World War shooters
Researchers from the Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Dakar were distinguished by the Community of Communes of Retz in Valois (CCRV) in France, in recognition of their contribution to the transmission of the history of Senegalese tirailers who participated in the First World War.
A solemn tribute to Villers-Cotterêts
On Friday 21 March 2025, the Cité Internationale de la langue française in Villers-Cotterêts hosted the launch ceremony of the book « Around the Senegalese tirailers of 14-18. Local Memory, Global Memory ». This event, chaired by Alexandre de Montesquieu, President of the CCVR, brought together the mayors of the 54 municipalities concerned, as well as presidents of historical societies and many academic and academic personalities.
A Franco-Senegal project to revive the memory of the Tiriers
The book is the result of a joint project between researchers from UCAD and the CCIV, initiated as part of the call for projects FRACTAL (Francophonie, Collectivités Territoriales, Acteurs Locaux), led by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. Its objective: to enhance the memory of Senegalese Tirors who fought alongside French troops during the Great War.
Selected in 2022 and funded by the French Foreign Ministry, the project « Local memory, Global memory, the Little History joins the Great » offers an original approach, addressing these themes from a variety of angles and sometimes little explored. The book also includes summaries for young readers, including students from schools of the CCVR and several localities in Senegal, such as Thiaroye-sur-Mer, Khombole and Ngondiane.
A tribute to Senegalese researchers engaged
Jean Michel Rouyer, coordinator of the French team, wished to recall the importance of this memorial work and the commitment of the seven Senegalese researchers involved, who volunteered to contribute to the project.
Professor Mor Ndao, coordinator of the Senegalese team, expressed his gratitude to the CVRC and its partners, stressing the participation of the ETHOS Doctoral School of UCAD, which allowed three doctoral students and one master student to be integrated into the project in order to train in research through research.