In brief
As racism and discrimination escalate in France, an increasing number of French Africans, like Menka Gomis, are relocating to Senegal, their parents' homeland, in search of greater opportunities and a surrounding that respects their heritage.
Menka Gomis is part of a growing wave of French Africans who are choosing to leave France for Senegal, as they find opportunities abroad more appealing than life in their home country. Born in France to Senegalese parents, Gomis, 39, has witnessed a surge in racism and discrimination that he attributes to rising nationalist sentiments in France. His travel agency, which offers cultural reconnections with Africa, has become a testament to his commitment to this mission. "I was born in France. I grew up in France, and we know certain realities. There's been a lot of racism. I may be French, but I also come from elsewhere," Gomis shared during an interview. His motivations reflect a mixture of personal responsibility to his heritage and the chance to thrive in a growing economy. Many see Africa as the land of burgeoning opportunities, reminiscent of the American gold rush. The long, intricate ties between France and Senegal—particularly after Senegal gained independence as a former French colony—provide a backdrop for this migration, often referred to as a "silent exodus." Gomis is not alone; an increasing number of individuals of Afro-French descent are making similar choices under the shadow of a more repressive environment in France. Fanta Guirassy, a single mother and nurse living in a Paris suburb, echoes similar sentiments in her plan to leave France. Experiences of feeling unsafe have shaped her decision, especially recent instances involving her teenage son with the police. The impact of social unrest after high-profile incidents, like the fatal shooting of Nahel Merzouk, has added to the urgency for many to seek a new existence elsewhere.Employment discrimination and the controversial discourse around secularism, especially regarding the Muslim community, have fueled tensions that climate the socio-political landscape in France. Teachers like Audrey Monzemba navigate their daily lives in fear of backlash for their religious beliefs as they consider relocation to more accepting environments.Research indicates a significant trend of highly educated French citizens from Muslim backgrounds leaving for countries that mirror their backgrounds and values. The rise in racial incidents and the lack of thorough data collection around ethnic minorities have made it hard to quantify this growing trend.Abdoul Sylla’s concern for his sister Fatoumata, who plans to move back to Senegal to start her own business, represents a familial dichotomy: a longing to connect and contribute to their cultural roots versus comfort and familiarity found in France. Salamata Konte, who made the same leap for her banking career, recounts her initial shock at being called "Frenchie" upon her arrival in Senegal, presenting the challenges faced by returnees trying to reclaim their identity.Despite the complexities of reintegrating into their ancestral home, individuals like Gomis persist. As they embrace entrepreneurship and socio-cultural endeavors, they are forging paths towards their envisioned futures. With hope and anticipation of newfound opportunities, Gomis awaits his Senegalese citizenship, eager to carve out a life defined by acceptance, ambition, and a return to one's roots in a continent perceived as ripe with potential.The shift of these once integral communities is not only a change of residence but a silent re-calibration of identity as they seek to redefine their narratives amidst evolving societal landscapes.
