Menka Gomis, originally from France, has chosen to make Senegal his home, where his parents were born. The 39-year-old is part of a growing number of French Africans leaving France due to the increase in racism, discrimination, and nationalism. BBC Africa Eye has investigated this trend, known as the “silent exodus,” to understand why individuals like Mr. Gomis are disenchanted with life in France.
Mr. Gomis, who faced racism growing up in France, now runs a travel agency that specializes in trips to Africa, with a focus on reconnecting with ancestral roots. He believes Africa offers immense opportunities for growth and development.
The links between France and Senegal are complex, with many migrants risking dangerous sea crossings to reach Europe. Despite this, French citizens from Muslim backgrounds, especially the children of immigrants, are quietly emigrating due to the hardening attitudes towards immigration in France.
Fanta Guirassy, a nurse in France, is planning to move to Senegal due to feeling unsafe in France and the discrimination faced by ethnic minorities. The rise in racist crimes and discrimination has led many individuals, like schoolteacher Audrey Monzemba, to consider leaving France for a more accepting environment.
The debate over racial discrimination and systemic racism in France continues, with calls for the government to address these issues. The increasing number of French Africans leaving France highlights the challenges faced by ethnic minorities in the country. “Quiero ir a trabajar sin tener que quitar mi velo,” dice la mujer de 35 años.
Una encuesta reciente de más de 1,000 musulmanes franceses que han dejado Francia para establecerse en el extranjero sugiere que es una tendencia creciente.
Sigue a un pico de islamofobia tras los ataques de 2015 cuando los terroristas islámicos mataron a 130 personas en varios lugares de París.
Abdoul Sylla está preocupado por la decisión de su hermana Fatoumata de mudarse a Senegal [BBC]
Tomemos a Fatoumata Sylla, de 34 años, cuyos padres son de Senegal, como ejemplo.
En Dakar, conocimos a Salamata Konte, quien fundó la agencia de viajes con el Sr. Gomis, para averiguar qué les espera a los africanos franceses como ella que eligen establecerse en Senegal.
La Sra. Konte cambió un trabajo bien remunerado en banca en París por la capital senegalesa.
Respecto a su experiencia como empresaria, dice que ha sido “realmente difícil”.
No obstante, el Sr. Gomis está emocionado mientras espera su ciudadanía senegalesa.
La agencia de viajes va bien y dice que ya está trabajando en su próxima empresa – una aplicación de citas para Senegal.
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