In brief
Menka Gomis is among a rising tide of French Africans relocating to Senegal, driven by the search for better prospects amidst escalating racism and discrimination in France. As societal tensions rise, individuals like Gomis and others articulate their feelings of safety, belonging, and the motivation to reconnect with their ancestral heritage.
Menka Gomis, a 39-year-old entrepreneur born in France, is leaving behind his friends and family in search of greater opportunities in Senegal, the homeland of his parents. He represents a growing trend among French Africans who are departing France due to increasing racism, discrimination, and rising nationalism. This migration, termed a "silent exodus" by BBC Africa Eye, highlights the dissatisfaction felt by individuals like Gomis towards life in France.Gomis established a travel agency that focuses on reconnecting people with their African roots. “I was born in France and grew up there, knowing the realities of racism.” He recounts experiences of being subjected to racial slurs as a child. His mother, who moved to France as an infant, finds it hard to understand his decision to leave family and friends for Senegal. Yet, Gomis believes it is not merely an escape but a responsibility towards his ancestral land and a chance to build a future. “Africa is like the Americas during the gold rush; it’s a continent of the future,” he emphasizes.The historical ties between France and Senegal are significant, given Senegal's status as a former French colony and a central point in the transatlantic slave trade. Concurrently, many migrants are attempting perilous sea journeys to reach Europe, often end up in France, where a record number sought asylum recently. Unfortunately, precise data about those returning to Africa is hard to obtain due to restrictions within French law regarding race and ethnicity.The impending change in French politics, with a hardline stance on immigration by the new cabinet, has fueled this migration. High-profile incidents, such as police actions against ethnic minorities, have recently triggered nationwide riots, stirring deep-seated frustrations and fears. Fanta Guirassy, a Paris-based nurse, plans her own move to Senegal partly due to safety concerns as a single mother. Her son’s negative encounters with the police compelled her to reconsider their future in France.The data paints a complex picture, with about 91% of black individuals surveyed in France reporting experiences of racial discrimination. The UN recently urged France to address racial bias within its law enforcement, which the French government denied, asserting that accusations of systemic racism are unfounded. However, reports indicate a significant uptick in racially motivated crimes.The story of Audrey Monzemba, a Congolese schoolteacher, echoes these concerns. Fearing for her safety as a Muslim woman in an environment where wearing hijabs is controversial, she too considers relocating to Senegal. "I want to thrive in a place that respects my faith," she says.Analyses reflect a trend of highly educated French Muslims leaving due to increasing Islamophobia and a restrictive secular climate. Abdoul Sylla expresses concerns about his sister’s choice to move, despite acknowledging the reasons for wanting to reconnect with her roots. In a broader context, this exodus unveils the experiences of countless individuals who in search of acceptance find themselves navigating complexities in their identities—sometimes feeling rejected both at home in France and in their ancestral lands. Salamata Konte, who transitioned from a lucrative banking career in Paris to launching a travel agency in Senegal, emphasizes the need to approach this new environment with humility, despite the challenges faced by women in the workforce. Ultimately, as French Africans like Menka Gomis pursue new beginnings in Senegal, they embody a poignant narrative of searching for belonging and purpose in a world fraught with challenges and opportunities.
