Senegal-France ties: sovereignty as the foundation of stronger relations

Sovereignty is the cornerstone of a robust Senegal-France relationship, according to Christine Fages, France’s Ambassador to Dakar. In a candid interview, she reaffirmed that mutual respect and strategic alignment—not tension—define the current bilateral ties, even amid Senegal’s recent political evolution.

Diplomatic resilience through institutional dialogue

The Ambassador emphasized that robust institutional mechanisms exist to navigate sensitive issues and sustain constructive dialogue between the two nations. “The more a country understands and advances its strategic interests, the smoother its interactions with partners become,” she stated. “Sovereignty is not a barrier to cooperation; on the contrary, it strengthens it.”

Visa procedures: transparency and vigilance against fraud

Visa-related challenges remain a focal point in the relationship. Christine Fages highlighted the sheer volume of requests—over 53,000 annually in Senegal—nearly half of all visa applications across European Union missions in the country. She also issued a stark warning against fraudulent intermediaries who exploit applicants by demanding payment for appointments or promising expedited processing.

“If someone asks for money for a visa appointment, that’s a red flag,” she cautioned. Applicants are urged to rely solely on official channels, as no fees are required for scheduling interviews. Vigilance against forged documents and overpriced services is critical to avoid falling victim to scams.

Thiarioye 44: confronting historical truths together

The Ambassador revisited the Thiarioye 44 incident, acknowledging France’s responsibility in the tragic events. She noted that President Emmanuel Macron has publicly recognized the massacre and committed to supporting Senegal’s quest for historical clarity. French authorities have already shared relevant documents with Senegalese counterparts and remain open to facilitating further research to uncover the full truth.

Cultural restitution: preserving heritage through collaboration

Restitution efforts are advancing, with the 2021 return of the sabre of El Hadj Oumar Foutiyou Tall serving as a milestone. The process involves meticulous identification, documentation, and provenance verification of thousands of Senegalese cultural artifacts held in France. The goal is to determine which items are eligible for restitution, ensuring a transparent and respectful approach to heritage preservation.

UN leadership race: Senegal’s potential candidate

Regarding the possibility of former Senegalese President Macky Sall’s candidacy for UN Secretary-General, Christine Fages noted that France’s position remains undecided. “The process is still in its early stages,” she explained. “Paris will evaluate all candidates before making a final decision, likely at a later stage in the proceedings.”

IMF partnership: economic cooperation despite challenges

On Senegal’s ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Ambassador stressed the interdependence of the two entities. “France will continue to support Senegal in its engagements with international financial institutions,” she affirmed. Despite hurdles in finalizing a new program, both sides remain committed to fostering economic cooperation.

A cultural ambassador’s perspective

As France’s first female Ambassador to Senegal, Christine Fages shared her personal connection to the country, citing the Senegalese tradition of ataya—a symbol of hospitality, community, and the value of time spent with others. For her, this cultural emblem reflects the warmth and openness that define Senegal’s society and its welcoming spirit toward visitors.