2024-01-16 11:43:58
The equestrian statue of General Faidherbe has stood since 1895 facing the Place de la République in Lille (North). Since last December, a plaque has appeared on its base. We can read that the Lille soldier (1818-1889), celebrated for his role in the war of 1870, also led an important colonial career.
He took part in the conquest of Algeria in the 1840s, then was governor of Senegal, between 1854 and 1865. An involvement denounced since 2020 by the Lille collective Faidherbe must fall. Martine Aubry, the mayor of Lille, committed, during the last municipal elections, to questioning her place in the public space.
“We had to remember his entire career”
“It was never a question for us of unbolting the statue, which celebrates the hero of 1870 and not the colonizer. But we have launched in-depth work with researchers in France and Senegal to uncover its role in colonization. Documents are now accessible online, from a QR code on the plaque near the statue. And a text underlines its weight in colonization, as well as the disapproval of the town hall,” says Marie-Pierre Bresson, deputy for culture at the town hall of Lille.
“Perspectives have changed over this period, and it is important to recontextualize characters whose names dot public space throughout France, without us always knowing why they are commemorated. Faidherbe is located in Lille, it has a street, a high school, and this statue; we had to remind the general public of his entire career,” continues Marie-Pierre Bresson.
Research into Faidherbe’s legacy in Lille continues. In particular, the collection of objects from Senegal that he bequeathed to the Natural History Museum is being studied. Depending on their historical value, certain pieces could be returned.
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