In recent years, a “silent exodus” has seen French Africans increasingly leave France for Africa, citing rising racism, discrimination, and a quest for connection with their ancestral roots. Menka Gomis, a 39-year-old Parisian of Senegalese descent, embodies this shift. He recently moved to Senegal, the birthplace of his parents, leaving behind life in France, where he endured racial abuse, even from a young age.
Gomis, who recently set up a travel agency offering African heritage tours, is part of a growing trend of highly qualified French Africans seeking opportunity and acceptance in Senegal. "Africa is like the Americas during the gold rush," he says, expressing belief in Africa’s potential as a land of untapped growth.
This trend is further reflected in the story of Fanta Guirassy, a 34-year-old nurse in the Paris suburbs, planning to relocate with her teenage son due to heightened concerns about safety and societal acceptance. Guirassy's motivation grew after her son experienced a traumatic police search, echoing the disillusionment felt by many French Africans. The 2023 fatal police shooting of Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old of Algerian descent, sparked riots across France and brought to light long-standing frustrations among ethnic minorities over discrimination and profiling.
The decision to leave France has practical and personal motivations. For 35-year-old schoolteacher Audrey Monzemba, the decision is fueled by her desire for religious freedom. "I want to thrive in an environment that respects my faith and values," Monzemba says, explaining her struggles with France's secular laws that prohibit the wearing of religious symbols, like her hijab, in state schools.
A recent survey indicates that a significant number of French Africans now feel unwelcome in France, with 91% of respondents reporting experiences of racial discrimination. As societal attitudes harden and right-wing influence grows, French Africans are increasingly choosing to reverse their parents’ migratory journey in search of a promising future in Africa.
Yet, returning home comes with its challenges. Salamata Konte, who co-founded a travel agency with Gomis, left her banking job in Paris for Dakar three years ago. "When I arrived, I was shocked to hear them call me 'Frenchie'," Konte recounts, emphasizing the need for humility and adaptability in adjusting to local culture. She also describes the challenges of navigating Senegal’s male-dominated business landscape, noting that it requires women to "prove themselves a little more."
Despite such hurdles, Gomis remains optimistic about his future in Senegal. As he awaits his Senegalese citizenship, his agency thrives, and he is already developing his next venture: a dating app for the Senegalese market.
This "silent exodus" is reshaping the narrative of African immigration to Europe, highlighting a reverse migration trend led by those seeking a sense of belonging and opportunity in their parents' homeland.