The French government has announced plans to return to Guinea the crâne of Bôkar Biro, the last almâmi, or sovereign, of the Fouta-Djalon region. Bôkar Biro was killed in battle on November 13, 1896, after refusing to surrender to French colonial forces. His crâne, along with those of his son Môdy Sory, brother Thierno Siré, and chief of war Sâtigui Modou, will be returned to Conakry.
Bôkar Biro's resistance to French colonial rule is notable for its bravery and conviction. According to historical accounts, when approached by French representative Bekmann to negotiate surrender, Bôkar Biro replied, "The Fouta-Djalon is the land of my father. Whoever wants it must first cut my throat." This defiance ultimately led to his death in the battle of Porédaka.
The return of Bôkar Biro's crâne has sparked renewed interest in Guinean history and the country's resistance to colonial rule. The almâmi's legacy challenges the dominant narrative of Guinea's past, which often focuses on figures like Samory Touré and Alpha Yaya Diallo. Historians argue that Bôkar Biro's contributions to the resistance have been overlooked, and his story deserves to be told.
The French colonial era had a profound impact on Guinea, with many of its leaders and resistance fighters being forcibly taken or killed. Samory Touré was deported to Gabon, Alpha Yaya Diallo to Dahomey, and Béhanzin to Martinique and later Algeria. Bôkar Biro's refusal to negotiate or surrender sets him apart from other resistance leaders.
The Guinean government has announced plans to bury the returned crânes, but many argue that they should be preserved in a museum as a testament to the country's history and struggle for independence. Tierno Monénembo, a prominent Guinean writer, has argued that the crânes should be treated with dignity and respect, and that their stories should be told to future generations.
The restitution of Bôkar Biro's crâne also raises questions about the broader narrative of Guinean history. Historians have noted that the country's past is often written from a political perspective, with certain figures being elevated to heroic status while others are overlooked. The inclusion of Bôkar Biro's story in Guinean history books could provide a more nuanced understanding of the country's resistance to colonial rule.
The return of Bôkar Biro's crâne is seen as an opportunity for Guinea to reclaim its history and acknowledge the contributions of its resistance leaders. The event has sparked renewed interest in the country's past and its struggle for independence, and has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and accurate narrative of Guinean history.
Key points
- Bôkar Biro was the last almâmi of Fouta-Djalon and died in battle against French colonial forces in 1896.
- The French government will return Bôkar Biro's crâne, along with those of his son, brother, and chief of war, to Guinea.
- The restitution of Bôkar Biro's crâne has sparked renewed interest in Guinean history and the country's resistance to colonial rule.
