In a candid interview, Christine Fages, France’s Ambassador to Senegal, outlined her vision for a renewed and resilient partnership between Dakar and Paris. Her remarks, made during a recent discussion on the future of bilateral relations, emphasized the importance of mutual respect and strategic alignment in overcoming challenges.
Sovereignty as the cornerstone of cooperation
At the heart of her message was the idea that « the stronger a nation’s sovereignty, the stronger the relationship between partners. » She argued that when countries clearly define and pursue their own strategic interests, collaboration becomes more constructive and less contentious. « A nation that understands its priorities and acts on them fosters trust and stability in its partnerships, » she explained.
The Ambassador acknowledged recent political shifts in Senegal but dismissed concerns over rising tensions with France. « Senegal and France have robust institutional mechanisms to address sensitive issues and maintain open dialogue, » she noted. She stressed that sovereignty is not an obstacle to cooperation but rather a foundation for more balanced and sustainable engagement.
Visa procedures and fraud warnings
A significant portion of the conversation focused on visa procedures, an area of frequent concern for Senegalese travelers. Fages highlighted that France processes around 53,000 visa applications annually in Senegal—nearly half of all EU visa requests in the country. She addressed delays in appointment scheduling and issued a strong warning about fraudulent intermediaries who exploit applicants by promising expedited services for a fee.
« If someone asks for money to secure a visa appointment, that’s a red flag, » she cautioned. The Ambassador reminded applicants that appointments are free of charge and urged vigilance against counterfeit documents and overpricing schemes. « Trust only official channels, » she advised.
Thiarioye 44: acknowledging history and moving forward
The Ambassador revisited the events of Thiarioye 44, acknowledging the massacre and France’s role in it. She confirmed that President Macron had publicly recognized the country’s responsibility and announced that France had already shared relevant documents with Senegalese authorities. « We are committed to supporting independent historical research to shed full light on these events, » she stated.
Cultural restitution: a continuing process
Fages also addressed the ongoing efforts to return Senegalese cultural artifacts held in French collections. She cited the 2021 restitution of El Hadj Oumar Foutiyou Tall’s sword as a significant milestone. « Restitution requires meticulous research—identifying, documenting, and verifying the provenance of each object, » she explained.
France has identified thousands of Senegalese cultural items in its museums and archives. The goal is to assess which pieces meet the criteria for restitution under international agreements and bilateral commitments.
International roles and economic cooperation
On Senegal’s potential candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General—once held by former President Macky Sall—Fages noted that Paris had not yet finalized its position. « The process is still evolving, and France will evaluate all candidates before making a decision, » she said. She emphasized that no formal choice had been made and that consultations were ongoing.
Regarding economic ties, the Ambassador reaffirmed France’s support for Senegal in its ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). « Senegal and the IMF share mutual interests, and France will continue to facilitate constructive dialogue between them, » she stated. Despite challenges in finalizing a new program, she expressed confidence in the resilience of their economic partnership.
Cultural connection: the spirit of ‘ataya’
As France’s first female Ambassador to Senegal, Fages shared her personal connection to the country’s culture. She highlighted the tradition of ‘ataya’—the communal tea ceremony—as a symbol of hospitality and shared time. « It’s not just about drinking tea, » she reflected. « It’s about connection, patience, and the art of being present for one another. » This ritual, she believes, captures the warmth and openness that define Senegal’s society.
