Macron remark to Diomaye Faye sparks controversy in Senegal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 24 Heure Info
A video showing Emmanuel Macron asking Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, “Are you well, when did you arrive?” has prompted strong reactions in Senegal, where some consider the tone paternalistic and inappropriate towards a sovereign head of state. The controversy comes as Dakar and Paris negotiate a rebalancing of their relations, according to reactions shared on social media.
Senegalese internet users consider the tone used by Emmanuel Macron paternalistic and inappropriate, following a sequence with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in which the French head of state reportedly said: “Are you well, when did you arrive?”, reports 24 Heure Info. Some believe such familiarity is inappropriate in exchanges between two heads of state.
The controversy also concerns respect for Senegalese institutions, with Bassirou Diomaye Faye representing, according to reactions reported by 24 Heure Info, a sovereign state. Other internet users, however, consider the remarks simply a sign of familiarity between leaders.
The controversy comes as Dakar and Paris discuss sovereignty, bilateral cooperation and the evolution of their relations. On 9 November, Diomaye Faye and Macron prepare a Senegal-France seminar, according to an earlier report on their bilateral exchanges.
