Menka Gomis is a 39-year-old man leaving his family and friends in France because he feels he’ll have better chances in Senegal, where his parents are originally from.
According to BBC, he’s part of a growing group of French Africans who are leaving France, pointing to rising racism, discrimination, and nationalism as reasons for the move.
Born and raised in France, Gomis experienced racism early on, with incidents starting as young as six when he was called offensive names at school.
Now, he’s determined to build a future in Africa, seeing it as a land of potential. “Africa is like the Americas during the gold rush,” he told BBC, expressing his belief that the continent is where the future lies with lots of opportunities for growth and development.
Gomis has already opened a small travel agency that focuses on trips to Africa, especially for those who want to reconnect with their roots.
He now has an office in Senegal and is awaiting Senegalese citizenship. BBC highlighted that his decision isn’t just about escaping racism; it’s also about finding new chances and honoring his heritage.
Many others are following a similar path. For example, Fanta Guirassy, a nurse from Paris, is planning to relocate to Senegal due to safety concerns in France. As BBC explained, she worries about her teenage son’s safety after a frightening police stop.
These feelings have grown among many French Africans, especially after the violent riots that shook France last year following the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, a young man of Algerian background.
This tragic incident was a tipping point, exposing the frustrations of many ethnic minorities in France, BBC noted.
The trend of French Muslims and other African descendants leaving France is becoming more noticeable. BBC reported that these individuals often face job discrimination and a lack of acceptance for their cultural and religious identities.
This is especially true for Muslim women like Audrey Monzemba, who wishes to live in a place where she can freely express her faith without having to remove her hijab.
She hopes to move to Senegal, seeking a more inclusive environment.
Even though French government officials deny the existence of systemic racism, data from the BBC reveals that racially motivated incidents in France have increased by a third recently.
Many, like Gomis and others, feel that moving to Africa provides not only a fresh start but a way to embrace their cultural roots.
However, as BBC’s investigation pointed out, some, like Salamata Konte—who left a high-paying banking job in Paris for Dakar—still struggle to fit in and face challenges, especially as women in leadership roles.
Gomis, despite the challenges, is hopeful. He’s excited about new projects, including a dating app for Senegal, reflecting a broader trend of French Africans who are determined to build something meaningful in a place that feels like home.
BBC’s investigation into this “silent exodus” showcases the complex relationship many French Africans have with their dual identities and the dreams they hope to fulfill in Africa.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c774lpge8eko