French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Cameroonian President Paul Biya at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Provence, in Saint-Raphael (Var) on August 15, 2024. Macron and Biya paid tribute to the diverse army of the Provence landing, highlighting the contribution of African soldiers to the Allied victory. The commemoration took place two months after the Normandy landings, with leaders from Cameroon, Gabon, Comoros, Central Africa, Togo, and Morocco in attendance to mark the anniversary of Operation Dragoon, the lesser-known but significant liberation event.
During his speech at the Boulouris International Necropolis in Saint-Raphael, Biya praised the fighters from Africa for their courage and loyalty in the fight for peace and justice. Macron also acknowledged the contributions of soldiers from Africa, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their sacrifices and ensuring their names and legacies were preserved. Both leaders highlighted the importance of the diverse army that fought together for the liberation of the nation, emphasizing the unity and solidarity among different backgrounds and generations of soldiers.
The 1944 Provence landing saw the contribution of around 250,000 French troops, primarily from French colonies in Africa, who played a crucial role in retaking Toulon and Marseille. This operation not only helped liberate Europe but also allowed France to reclaim its position among the victors after its humiliation in 1940. The army under General de Lattre de Tassigny consisted of soldiers from North Africa, the French Free Forces, Corsicans, Muslims from Algeria and Morocco, as well as colonial troops like Senegalese tirailleurs.
Former African soldiers such as N’Dongo Dieng, a Senegalese tirailleur, emphasized the role played by African soldiers in the liberation of France and Europe, noting that their contributions had often been overlooked or forgotten. The commemoration included the presentation of the Legion of Honor to six veterans, underscoring the importance of acknowledging and honoring the sacrifices made by these soldiers. The event also aimed to highlight the shared history and heritage between Africa and France through recognizing the contributions of African soldiers to the country’s liberation.
The commemoration was meant to include a lunch aboard the helicopter carrier Dixmude in Toulon, followed by a reenactment of the landing on the beaches of Mourillon. However, the second part of the event was canceled due to weather conditions, preventing the planned observation of amphibious ships, vintage vehicles, collection aircraft, and paratroopers. Despite the cancellation, the commemoration served as an opportunity to reflect on the role of African soldiers in France’s history and emphasize the importance of remembering and honoring their bravery and sacrifice in the fight for freedom and justice.
