Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé: Dénonce Xénophobie au Sénégal, Appelle à l'Hospitalité

• Senegal's Minister of Interior, Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé, publicly condemned xenophobia and anti-foreigner sentiment during the Gamou ceremony in Tivaouane.
• He declared Senegal a "land of hospitality," urging citizens to renounce ostracism and ban hostile remarks against immigrants from public spaces, linking hospitality to respect for laws.
• The Minister supported his message by referencing Islamic history, specifically the exile of Prophet Mohamed and the composition of the first Muslim community by immigrants.
• This statement follows an August 11, 2026, appeal by Boubacar Sèye, president-founder of Horizon Sans Frontières, to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding normalized anti-foreigner discourse.
• Sèye had advocated for a firm migratory policy that simultaneously respects human dignity.

Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé, Senegal's Minister of Interior, has publicly condemned xenophobic discourse and behaviors targeting foreigners residing within the nation's borders.

Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé, Senegal's Minister of Interior, has publicly condemned xenophobic discourse and behaviors targeting foreigners residing within the nation's borders. Speaking in Tivaouane during the Gamou ceremony on a Tuesday, the Minister emphasized that Senegal is fundamentally a "land of hospitality." This strong declaration by Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé dénonce xénophobie Sénégal, signaling a clear governmental position against prejudice.

Minister Cissé specifically called upon all Senegalese citizens to abandon any form of ostracism directed at immigrants living among them. He further urged that all hostile remarks aimed at foreigners be completely removed from public discourse and spaces. His intervention underscores a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for non-nationals.

The Minister of Interior's statement reinforced the principle that Senegal's welcoming nature is intrinsically linked to the respect for its established laws and regulations. This perspective highlights that while hospitality is a core value, it operates within a legal framework designed to ensure order and fairness for all residents, including foreign nationals. The Ministre Intérieur Sénégal discours anti-étrangers thus serves as a reminder of civic duties.

To further underscore his message, Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé drew parallels from Islamic history, referencing the exile of Prophet Mohamed (PSL) from Mecca to Medina, where he found refuge. He reminded his audience that the foundational Muslim community itself was comprised of immigrants, thereby framing the issue of welcoming foreigners within a deeply rooted cultural and religious context that champions compassion and acceptance.

This official denouncement by the Minister of Interior follows a significant appeal made earlier by Boubacar Sèye, the president-founder of Horizon Sans Frontières. On August 11, 2026, Sèye had directly addressed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, expressing concerns over the increasing normalization of discourse targeting foreigners in the country. His intervention highlighted the need for greater Senegal protection étrangers xénophobie.

Boubacar Sèye had specifically advocated for the implementation of a firm migratory policy that, crucially, would simultaneously uphold human dignity. This call for a balanced approach, emphasizing both regulation and respect, aligns with the broader objective of ensuring a humane politique migratoire Sénégal dignité humaine, reflecting ongoing civil society engagement on these critical issues.

The Minister's public stance against xenophobia serves as a significant reinforcement of the government's commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of foreign residents. Such high-level declarations can influence the enforcement of existing laws and regulations pertaining to non-nationals, potentially leading to a renewed focus on anti-discrimination measures. This underscores the importance of the droit des étrangers Sénégal.

This official position signals a clear intent to ensure that foreigners in Senegal are treated with respect and are protected from discriminatory practices. For legal professionals and businesses operating within the country, this statement indicates a governmental emphasis on the rule of law concerning foreign residents, which could shape future policy interpretations and judicial decisions regarding the treatment of immigrants and expatriates.

This statement by the Senegalese Minister of Interior reinforces the government's official stance against xenophobia and its commitment to upholding laws protecting foreigners. Lawyers advising foreign clients or businesses employing non-nationals in Senegal should note this as it signals a potential emphasis on enforcing anti-discrimination measures and could influence future policy or judicial interpretations regarding the treatment of foreign residents.

Source: Original reporting via Senenews