This Friday, April 28, the nine Senegalese skirmishers returning home for good have arrived in Senegal. A day and a trying trip for these veterans who participated in many wars of decolonization, particularly in Indochina and Algeria. A historic moment also for these last skirmishers, aged over 90, who received a Republican welcome from the Senegalese authorities.
With our special correspondent in Dakar, Sylvie Koffi
“ Welcome to our valiant skirmishers who are definitely returning to the country It was through this announcement that Air Senegal Flight passengers were informed of the presence on board of nine Senegalese skirmishers.
Applause, tears too. As soon as they arrived on the tarmac, these war heroes who fought under the French flag were welcomed by a large delegation of officials, present alongside the families. Sidi Diémé, brother of Oumar Diemé, 91-year-old skirmisher: “ We can’t wait for him to arrive, to take him in our arms and to touch this family freshness that we miss a lot, because it’s really the baobab “.
Here they are finally arriving. Daouda Badji, former paratrooper rifleman, 94 years old: “ The family is there, because staying for 6 months without seeing your wife is not good. When I get home with my family, I will be very happy. It’s normal. We saved France “.
A day full of emotion which ended at the presidency with a decoration ceremony. President Macky Sall elevated them to the rank of Officer of the National Order of the Lion.
Dear veterans, by welcoming you, we celebrate today an injustice repaired, because you can, finally, live at home with your family, and continue to receive all of your pensions. It’s only justice.
By receiving you from your… pic.twitter.com/mv5kl7FtHk
— Macky Sall (@Macky_Sall) April 28, 2023
This moment was made possible thanks to a derogatory measure decided by the French government, which allows them to live permanently in Senegal without losing their minimum old-age allowance of 950 euros per month. Before, they had to stay at least six months a year in France to get their allowance.
“ Today we celebrate a righted injustice. You can finally live at home, with your family and receiving all of your pensions “said President Macky Sall. “ All the Senegalese skirmishers gave complete satisfaction to France. It’s a debt that France paid us “Reacted Yoro Diao, their spokesperson.
► To read also: Senegalese skirmishers: the time of goodbye and return to the country
A long administrative battle
“ That’s it, it’s over. Finally it’s over, it’s the beginning of something else for them. It’s over for us in France. They will leave, they will return and find their families. So it’s quite difficult, although I’m very happy for them “says Aïssata Seck. Regional councilor for Île-de-France and president of the Association for the memory and history of Senegalese skirmishers, she has fought for years to assert their rights.
” The next step is going to be to find their families already, the essentials, the families who are waiting for them, who are at the airport at the momentshe continues. And then, it will also be a new life for them because they were used to going back and forth and coming back every 3, 4 or 6 months. There, they will stay permanently in their country of origin. »
“ So it’s going to be a big change, even though we know it’s much better for them even because they will be surrounded and they will avoid this loneliness that they faced when they were in their room, alone at the foyer. But it will be big changes. So the next step is also rehabilitation for them concluded Aïssata Seck.
► To read also: The role and history of African skirmishers