An empire massacres its own troops
On returning to their country in 1944, Senegalese troops (called “tirailleurs”) who fought for France, the colonial power at the time, found themselves herded into a detention camp. Ousmane Sembène’s moving 1988 film Camp de Thiaroye captures the intense sense of betrayal felt by these troops. They are surrounded by barbed wire and guard towers. There are many complaints about the treatment they receive and particularly the lousy food. A representative is nominated to speak to the French commanding officer, who flatly refuses to do anything. When the Senegalese troops are finally due to leave...