Emigrants from Africa are returning in the opposite direction – some of them. Afterall, what’s the point of the suffering, racism and pain, when there could be much more?
One of them, Menka Gomis, a 39-year-old Frenchman of Senegalese descent, made a bold move by leaving France to settle in Senegal, his parents’ homeland.
He represents a growing trend of Africans in Europe choosing to return to the continent, driven by a desire for new opportunities and a sense of reconnection. According to Gomis, despite being born and raised in France, he has faced a lifetime of racism and discrimination, prompting his decision to seek a future in Senegal, where he believes the opportunities are vast.
Accorsing to BBC Africa Eye Investigation, this movement, is what some refer to as a “silent exodus“.
For individuals like Gomis, it’s not merely about escaping discrimination but also seeking growth in what they see as the “continent of the future.” He founded a travel agency in Senegal aimed at reconnecting the diaspora with their roots, an effort that reflects a larger pattern of French-Africans looking to establish themselves back home.
In France, the rising influence of right-wing politics has only heightened the challenges for people of African descent.
The appointment of figures like Michel Barnier, who has pledged stricter immigration laws, signals tougher times ahead for immigrants. Recent figures show a rise in racist incidents, suggesting an environment increasingly hostile towards minorities. Many Africans have grown tired of navigating these challenges, choosing instead to seek fulfillment back in their ancestral homelands.
Take the story of Fanta Guirassy, a nurse in Paris who plans to relocate to Senegal. As a single mother, she fears for her son’s safety in an environment where racial profiling is rampant. Her decision reflects a broader sentiment among the African diaspora in France — a feeling of alienation and constant tension that has led many to reconsider where they can truly call home.
The situation is complicated further by the legacy of colonial ties. France’s long-standing relationship with countries like Senegal, once a key hub during the transatlantic slave trade, adds layers of history to the modern movement of people. While some in Senegal are risking their lives to migrate to France, others are making the reverse journey, seeking opportunities in Africa’s fast-growing economies.
The economic potential in Africa is a key factor attracting people like Fatoumata Sylla, a Paris-based software developer who plans to start a business in Senegal. By setting up shop in West Africa, she is not only following her father’s advice to “never forget where you come from” but also betting on the region’s growth. However, not all her family members share her enthusiasm; her brother remains unconvinced about reconnecting with a land he has never truly known.
Adapting to life in Africa isn’t always easy. Salamata Konte, who left her banking job in Paris to co-found a business in Senegal, acknowledges the challenges, particularly around cultural acceptance and gender expectations. While she struggled to shed the label of “Frenchie,” she found that succeeding as a businesswoman required humility and resilience. Yet, these experiences have not dimmed her hope — she continues to see potential and opportunity in her new life.
The journey back to Africa isn’t just about reclaiming heritage; it is also about confronting the realities of both continents. For those who have experienced racism and systemic discrimination, returning to Africa is a way to assert their identity and redefine their future. It’s a statement that, while they might be French, their roots and aspirations can still find fertile ground in Africa.
Ultimately, the “silent exodus” of French-Africans back to the continent points to a broader trend of reversing the narrative of migration. Rather than seeking refuge in the West, many are finding their place back home, investing their skills and capital in Africa’s growth.
While the challenges are plenty, the movement represents a profound shift — a reimagining of the African dream, not as an escape, but as a return to build something new.
