The Place des Tirailleurs sénégalais was inaugurated on Friday, March 10, 2023, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It is located at the corner of Boulevard Ney, Boulevard d'Ornano and Rue Belliard. It pays tribute to the thousands of African soldiers who fought for France during the First and Second World Wars, and who were often forcibly enlisted. The ceremony was held in the presence of the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo,Eric Lejoindre, mayor of the 18tharrondissement, as well as Yoro Diao, one of the last surviving riflemen .He is 94 years old.
During the two World Wars, nearly 340,000 African, and especially Senegalese, riflemen were enlisted. 200,000 in the first war and 140,000 in the second. This is not the first tribute dedicated to the riflemen. The Paris City Hall has indicated that this inauguration is part of a series of tributes to African soldiers, just like the inauguration ofthe Claude-Mademba-Sy alley (in the 14th arrondissement) and the Do-Huu-Vi square (in the 16th arrondissement).
Recently, they have been the subject of a film, produced by and starring Omar Sy, with the sober name of Tirailleurs.
Location
Porte de Clignancourt
Porte de Clignancourt
75018 Paris 18
