Senegal: Association calls for expulsion of xenophobia, not foreigners

The association Présence Chrétienne has issued a call to action against rising xenophobic rhetoric and the stigmatization of foreigners in Senegal. The group advocates for a distinction between border control and the rejection of non-citizens, stating, “It is necessary to expel xenophobia, not the foreigner.”

In its statement, the association emphasizes that Senegal has a long history of hosting diverse populations who contribute to the nation's social and economic fabric. It rejects claims of foreign overpopulation, noting that such assertions lack factual evidence. While acknowledging the state's right to regulate migration and residency, the group insists that these laws must be applied while preserving human dignity.

Supporting this sentiment, Boubacar Sèye, founder of Horizon Sans Frontières, has also called upon President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to intervene. Sèye urged the leadership to protect social cohesion and uphold the principle of ‘Teranga’ (hospitality), advocating for a migration policy that is firm yet respectful of human rights.