Menka Gomis, a 39-year-old born in France, has decided to make Senegal his future home, the birthplace of his parents. He is among a growing number of French Africans leaving France due to issues like racism, discrimination, and nationalism. BBC Africa Eye has looked into this phenomenon, known as the “silent exodus,” to understand why people like Mr. Gomis are disenchanted with life in France. He now runs a travel agency offering trips mainly to Africa, aiming to help people reconnect with their ancestral roots, with an office in Senegal.
“I grew up in France and faced racism at a young age,” says Mr. Gomis, who was called derogatory names during his school days in Marseille. “I may be French, but I also come from elsewhere.” His mother, who moved to France as a baby, struggles to understand his decision to move to Senegal, but Mr. Gomis sees it as a mix of duty to his parents’ homeland and the potential for growth and development in Africa.
The ties between France and Senegal, a former French colony, are intricate. Recent investigations by BBC Africa Eye have uncovered migrants in Senegal risking dangerous sea crossings to reach Europe, with many ending up in France seeking asylum. However, French citizens of African descent, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds, are quietly leaving France in search of better opportunities.
Fanta Guirassy, a 34-year-old nursing practitioner from Villemomble, plans to move to Senegal due to feelings of insecurity in France. Recent incidents like her son being stopped and searched by the police have added to her concerns. Riots following the shooting of a teenager of Algerian descent by the police have highlighted underlying tensions over racial discrimination in France.
A survey of black people in France revealed high levels of racial discrimination, prompting calls for addressing issues within law enforcement agencies. Rising racist crimes and controversies around religious symbols like the hijab have contributed to French Muslims leaving the country. The trend is seen as a brain drain, primarily affecting highly educated French Muslims seeking environments that respect their faith and values.
As more French Africans like Salamata Konte choose to settle in Senegal, they face challenges of acceptance and adaptation. Ms. Konte, a travel agency co-founder in Dakar, recalls feeling rejected upon arriving but emphasizes the importance of humility in integrating into Senegalese society. Despite the difficulties, she believes in the potential of Africa for growth and development.