Between lack of infrastructure and outstanding documents, Senegal’s historical heritage risks disappearing.
On the occasion of the commemoration of the Thiaroye massacre of 1944, a panel organized at the Museum of Black Civilizations highlighted a worrying subject: the critical state of archives in Senegal. These revelations, made by Mr. Makhone Touré, director of the National Archives of Senegal, highlight a glaring lack of infrastructure and essential documents that have been overdue for decades. This alarming observation comes in a context where national memory risks being erased if urgent measures are not taken.
A HERITAGE UNDER THREATEN
Since their creation in 1913, the National Archives of Senegal have struggled to have suitable premises. From their first installations in Fann’s cellars in the basement of the Administrative Building until their relocation in 2014 due to renovation of the Building, to Central Park, located on Avenue Malick Sy, the storage conditions remained inadequate to ensure long-term preservation of documents. This situation exposes the archives to multiple risks: humidity, parasites, natural disasters, and sometimes even deliberate destruction. Added to this is a dispersion of funds and premises that have been saturated for more than four decades, hindering the reception of contemporary archives.
INACCESSIBLE HISTORICAL TREASURES
The Senegalese archive funds include invaluable documents such as those from colonial Senegal, French West Africa (AOF) and digital documents transmitted by France. Among these treasures, essential information on the Thiaroye massacre in 1944, the Senegalese riflemen and other major parts of the country’s history. However, their exploitation remains limited, not only because of failing infrastructure, but also due to a lack of funding and an overall conservation strategy.
A TRANSMISSION IN DANGER
The lack of systematic collection of oral archives and private funds further aggravates the situation. These archives, which bear witness to the cultural and historical wealth of the country, remain largely unexploited. According to the experts present at the panel, posterity could find itself devoid of any legacy if concrete actions are not quickly implemented.
THE HOUSE OF ARCHIVES: AN URGENT SOLUTION
The creation of a “House of Archives” is mentioned as a major solution to overcome these challenges. This project, although ambitious, constitutes a necessity to centralize, protect and promote the national archives. Without this, any national archives policy is doomed to failure, regardless of the wealth of funds or the competence of archivists. The Senegalese archives, true guardians of national memory, are going through a deep crisis. They are essential not only for historical research, but also for guaranteeing citizens’ rights and ensuring transparent governance. The Thiaroye massacre, commemorated 80 years later, illustrates the fragility of our collective memory in the face of oblivion. It is imperative to react now so that this unique heritage does not fall into oblivion.
