Olympic Games-2024: Oumar Diemé, former Senegalese rifleman, future bearer of the Olympic Games flame in Paris
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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Oumar Diémé, 91, is one of the nine riflemen preparing to return to Senegal. © Sylvie Koffi / RFI
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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 figure, glasses and mischievous smile at the height of his 91 spring, Oumar Diemé,
veteran in the ranks of the French troops in the wars of Indochina and Algeria
, spends 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. Given our age, our days are numbered
.”
Read alsoParis 2024: Seine-Saint-Denis proposes that a former Senegalese rifleman carry the flame
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 “
Senegalese
” riflemen responded at the time to the need for troops 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
of 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
.”
At the Porte de Clignancourt, in Paris, the inauguration of the Place des Tirailleurs-Sénégalais with former tirailleurs aged over 90, on March 10, 2023. © Sylvie Koffi / RFI
Also read “The return of dignity” for the Senegalese riflemen from Bondy in the Paris region, expected in Kaolack
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.
Mélonin Noumonvi
, 2014 world wrestling champion, basketball player
Diandra Tchatchouang
, bronze medalist will also participate in this symbolic and important moment at the heart of the Games. Just like
Alice Diop
, director, César for best first film for Saint-Omer.
Also read: The role and history of African riflemen
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