« The stronger Senegal’s sovereignty, the stronger our bilateral relationship will be » — these words from Christine Fages, France’s Ambassador to Senegal, encapsulate her vision for a renewed Franco-Senegalese cooperation, grounded in mutual respect and strategic alignment.

The diplomat emphasized that the two nations share robust institutional mechanisms to navigate sensitive issues and sustain open dialogue, even amid Senegal’s recent political transition. « A country that clearly defines and pursues its strategic interests fosters smoother, more constructive partnerships, » she noted. « Sovereignty isn’t an obstacle—it’s the bedrock of a resilient alliance. »

visa processes: navigating challenges and risks

The Ambassador highlighted the complexities of visa procedures, which account for nearly half of all EU visa applications in Senegal, with France processing around 53,000 requests annually. Delays and the rise of fraudulent intermediaries remain pressing concerns.

« If someone demands payment for an appointment, alarm bells should ring », she warned. France’s consular services operate on a strict no-fee basis, urging applicants to report solicitation attempts and avoid counterfeit documents or inflated service charges.

Thiarioye 44: confronting history with transparency

Fages addressed the sensitive topic of Thiarioye 44, acknowledging France’s historical responsibility following a formal recognition by President Emmanuel Macron. « The tragic events of Thiarioye demand thorough historical scrutiny », she stated, adding that France has already shared archival documents with Senegalese authorities and stands ready to support independent research efforts.

cultural restitution: a step-by-step journey

The restitution of Senegalese cultural artifacts, including the 2021 return of El Hadj Oumar Foutiyou Tall’s sword, reflects ongoing efforts to reconcile shared heritage. France has identified thousands of Senegalese cultural objects in its collections, with restitution processes requiring meticulous provenance verification and bilateral coordination.

un leadership: Paris awaits further clarity

Regarding former President Macky Sall’s potential candidacy for UN Secretary-General, Fages described the process as still in its early stages. « The French position will crystallize as discussions progress », she explained, noting that Paris will assess all candidates before finalizing its stance.

fmi talks: a shared path forward

On economic cooperation, the Ambassador underscored the interdependence between Senegal and the International Monetary Fund. « Both sides need each other », she remarked, reaffirming France’s commitment to supporting Senegal’s engagement with global financial institutions despite challenges in finalizing new programs.

diplomatic firsts: bridging cultures beyond politics

As France’s first female Ambassador to Senegal, Fages shared her deep appreciation for Senegalese culture, singling out « ataya » as a symbol of warmth, community, and intentional time-sharing. « It embodies the heart of Senegalese hospitality—something every visitor, and every diplomat, carries with them ».