As the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris draws closer, Seine-Saint-Denis has revealed the first names of the torchbearers who will tour the department. Among them, Oumar Diémé, a former Senegalese rifleman.
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He is neither a star nor a top athlete, but a witness to a not-so-distant history where African soldiers fought to serve France. Frail silhouette, glasses and mischievous smile from the height of his 91 years, Oumar Diemé, veteran in the ranks of French troops in the wars of Indochina and Algeriais spending peaceful days in Casamance where RFI was able to contact him.
And he is very proud to soon be back in Seine-Saint-Denis to carry the Olympic flame: “ I was a great athlete during my army days. If God still leaves us alive until then and in good health, I will be there. Considering age, our days are numbered “.
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After having fought in the French army in Indochina and Algeria within the 1st regiment of Senegalese tirailleurs, he never stopped demanding from French society recognition commensurate with the sacrifice made, that is to say rights equivalent to those of veterans of French origin.
Oumar Diemé continues with his brothers in arms to transmit this story to new generations by going to middle and high schools to tell how these so-called riflemen Senegalese » responded at the time to the needs for manpower to fight in the colonial wars. Heroes for some, traitors for others, they never stopped demanding payment of their pensions, retirements and allowances paid by the French state without the obligation to stay half the year in France.
Having won his case in 2023, Oumar Diemé declared on the occasion of the inauguration of the place des Tirailleurs-Sénégalais, in the 18th arrondissement from Paris. “ I’m happy, although it came late. but it’s better than nothing. We are very happy, it should have been done a long time ago. Today we are recognized “.
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Twenty-one personalities were selected to run with the flame and cross several towns in Seine-Saint-Denis on Thursday July 25, then on the morning of July 26, 2024, the day of the opening ceremony. Melonin Noumonvi2014 world wrestling champion, basketball player Diandra Tchatchouang, bronze medalist will also participate in this symbolic and important moment at the heart of the Games. As Alice Diopdirector, César for best first film for Saint-Omer.
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