The Rising Tide: French Africans Turning to Senegal for Hope and Opportunity

As racism and nationalism rise in France, more French Africans are embarking on a journey to their ancestral roots in Senegal. This exodus, termed a "silent exodus," highlights the complex socio-political landscape fueling a desire for better opportunities and the chance to reconnect with their heritage.

In recent years, a growing number of French Africans, like Menka Gomis, have been making the significant decision to leave France in search of a brighter future in Senegal. Although born and raised in France, Gomis feels a strong pull towards the place where his parents originated, citing opportunities for personal and professional growth as key motivators. This movement, described as a "silent exodus," has captured the attention of media, with many individuals expressing their disillusionment with the social climate in France, characterized by increasing racism, discrimination, and nationalism.

Gomis, who has established a travel agency aimed at reconnecting individuals with their roots in Africa, mirrors the sentiments of others who feel that France has become inhospitable. Reflecting on his early experiences with racism, he shares, “I was called the N-word at school. Every day.” This ongoing struggle has led him to see Africa as a land of potential, comparable to America during the gold rush, a continent ripe for development.

Despite their aspirations, many French Africans coming to Senegal face a unique set of challenges as they are often seen as outsiders in a land they claim as part of their heritage. For instance, Fanta Guirassy, who has lived her life in France, plans to move to Senegal to escape an increasingly hostile environment for ethnic minorities. She describes a constant state of fear for her family's safety amid rising racial tensions, which were starkly highlighted by large-scale riots following a police shooting of a French-Algerian teenager.

Audrey Monzemba, another individual considering a similar move, shares her frustration with the cultural climate in France, where wearing a hijab in public has been viewed as controversial. This reflection resonates with many, especially with surveys indicating high rates of racial discrimination in the country. In light of prickly debates about immigration and security, the current French administration, under Prime Minister Michel Barnier, has committed to stricter immigration policies, prompting a wave of disillusionment amongst immigrants.

Absent any centralized data on the exact number of French Africans relocating to Africa, the trend remains difficult to quantify, but multiple testimonies reveal a shared feeling: the desire for a space where cultural identity and values are respected. Not everyone is convinced about the so-called "homecoming," with some voicing apprehensions about moving to a continent they feel disconnected from.

Upon her arrival in Senegal, Salamata Konte, another French African who left a lucrative banking career in Paris, illustrated the duality of her experience: being labeled "Frenchie" in Senegal serves as a reminder of her complex identity. She notes the societal challenges women face in Senegal and emphasizes the need for humility when integrating into new surroundings.

Ultimately, the journey back for these French Africans encapsulates more than just a change of scenery—it represents a quest for belonging, safety, and a promising future in their ancestral home. As they navigate these changes, the call for greater acceptance and understanding remains paramount in both France and Senegal.