An increasing number of French Africans are leaving France, moving to Senegal and other West African nations in search of opportunity, safety, and cultural respect. They cite persistent racism, discrimination, and a fraught colonial legacy as significant motivations for their departure.
Reconnecting with Roots Amid Rising Racism
Menka Gomis, a 39-year-old born in France to Senegalese parents, is among those who have made this shift. Although born and raised in France, Gomis describes being exposed to discrimination early on: “At six, I was already hearing racial slurs at school.” Now, he operates a travel agency in Senegal, offering packages tailored to those looking to reconnect with their heritage. His decision to settle in Dakar goes beyond business. “Africa is like the gold rush era for the Americas,” he states. “It’s the continent of the future, a place where there’s so much to build.”
Disillusionment and Decision
Many others share Gomis’ sentiments, viewing Africa as an economic frontier and a chance for self-determination free from the prejudices they encountered in France. Some, like Fatoumata Sylla, a software developer, are even launching new ventures to bolster Senegal’s economy, determined to contribute to Africa’s growth.
France’s Colonial Legacy and the Ongoing Influence of Racism
Tensions around immigration, combined with rising nationalism, have created an increasingly hostile environment for French Africans, with many pointing to France’s colonial past as a root of ongoing prejudices. France’s historical colonization of Senegal, a pivotal part of the transatlantic slave trade, shaped long-lasting societal attitudes. The descendants of those impacted by colonialism now say they are still facing the repercussions, as racial profiling and discrimination persist.
In the aftermath of incidents like the fatal police shooting of Nahel Merzouk, a French-Algerian teen, French Africans report an increase in racial profiling. Following the unrest, the UN called on France to address “systemic racial discrimination within its law enforcement agencies.” Although France’s government denied such claims, interior ministry data shows that race-based incidents increased by 30% last year, with more than 15,000 reported cases.
The Decision to Seek a Different Life in Senegal
Many French Africans now feel they must seek out communities where they can openly express their identities. For Senegal-born Fanta Guirassy, a Parisian nurse, relocating to Senegal is about finding safety and providing a different future for her children. “In France, the daily threat is real,” she says, noting her teenage son’s experience with police surveillance.
Audrey Monzemba, a Congolese-French teacher, echoes these concerns, saying the growing societal hostility toward symbols of Islam, such as the hijab, has led her to pursue a career where she won’t face restrictions on her faith. “In Senegal, I’ll work in an environment that respects my beliefs.”
For those like Salamata Konte, who left a banking position in Paris to open a business in Dakar, adapting to Senegal’s local business culture brings its own challenges. “I was surprised to be called ‘Frenchie,’ even though my roots are here,” Konte says. However, she is determined to bridge the gap between her identities, working toward success in Senegal and building a path for others considering the same.
This “silent exodus” reveals the complexity of identity and the consequences of France’s colonial past. Many now see Senegal as a place to reclaim cultural pride and security, free from the legacy of discrimination that persists in France. Gomis and others are excited to contribute to the development of a continent they consider to be at the forefront of global growth, while also reconnecting with their heritage and honoring their parents’ sacrifices.