Ibrahima Thiam urges Senegal not to normalise xenophobia
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Senego
Ibrahima Thiam, president of ACT, urges people not to normalise discourse targeting foreigners in Senegal. In an opinion piece carried by Xibaaru, he distinguishes the fight against xenophobia from border controls and the enforcement of residency rules.
Ibrahima Thiam, president of Senegalese party ACT, has urged people not to normalise discourse targeting foreigners in Senegal, rejecting the idea that it is a form of patriotism. In an opinion piece entitled “Senegal must not normalise xenophobia”, carried by Xibaaru, he said such remarks were spreading on social media, in some media outlets and in political debate.
Thiam named Guineans, Lebanese people, nationals of neighbouring countries and other foreigners living in Senegal among the communities being targeted. He called on the media to challenge such discourse rather than present it as mere opinion, saying that repeating it contributes to its normalisation, Xibaaru reports.
The ACT leader distinguished the fight against xenophobia from border controls and the enforcement of residency rules. He said the state can exercise these powers without giving up humanity or teranga, and cited xenophobic violence in South Africa as a warning that words can precede actions. He also linked his position to his father’s story: arriving in Senegal from Gambia at the age of 14, and to his own more than 30 years spent outside the country.
