Hakim EL KAROUI, founder of the Club du XXIe Siècle. Photo © AM/APP
During the JNDA Bridge Africa Forum, organized in Paris on November 9, Hakim El Karoui, essayist and consultant born French to Tunisian parents, founder of Club XXIe Siècle, delivered a trenchant analysis of the situation of African diasporas in France, considering that they constitute an integral part of French society.
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par Desk Africapresse.paris (APP)
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Hakim El Karoui first spoke of the current difficulty for African diasporas to evolve in a context where immigration issues are at the heart of political debates. He recalls that he created Club XXIe Century to promote diversity in French society and illustrate that, despite talk of failure, successes of children of immigrants do indeed exist. But according to him, the more we progress on the social ladder, the less visible the difference is, even if it is still necessary “destroy many glass ceilings”.
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Mixed marriages,
opening symbol
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But Hakim El Karoui also highlights the openness of French society, which is reflected in the high number of mixed marriages. According to data from the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights, he indicates, France is the European country where marriages between people of diverse origins are the most frequent. This dynamic, for El Karoui, is a sign of integration, unlike the British model, where elites of foreign origins marry among themselves, the doors of the “gentry” remaining closed to them. Thus, France is characterized by behavior of “mixing and opening”.
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The contradiction of speeches
political and media
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However, this social openness is not reflected in media and political discourse. “The real country is open to diversity,” says El Karoui, while the media and politicians insist on narratives of closure, he says. This contradiction creates a feeling of exclusion for the children of immigrants, who are subjected to repetitive discourse on the need to reduce immigration.
As a counterpoint to these speeches, Hakim El Karoui underlines the harmful consequences of a total closure to immigrants: “Blocking immigration would endanger essential sectors like the public hospital, where around 20% to 25% of the workforce is foreign origin. »
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In their closing speeches, Emmanuel Noutary, General Delegate of Anima Investment Network (left) and Yannick Kwetchoua, President of the Builders' Club, thanked the volunteers, whose commitment greatly contributed to the success of these XIe JNDA Bridge Africa. Photo © AM/APP
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The importance of contribution
immigrants to France
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The essayist also explains that the French social pyramid is largely based on the contributions of immigrants and their descendants. In France, diversity is present at all levels of essential professions, whether caregivers, carers, construction workers, transport, logistics, etc. A reality that cannot be denied.
This situation sometimes gives rise to paradoxes, such as that of immigration essential to maintaining services, but called into question by politicians. A theme that inspired a dystopia, he confides, where he imagines the consequences of policies strictly closed to immigrants: a society on the verge of collapse…
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A complex integration
for younger generations
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The writer also looks at the integration challenges specific to the children of immigrants, faced with the expectations of their families and French values, two injunctions that are quite often opposed. Thus, he explains, in working-class neighborhoods, young people find themselves in “territories where an original culture is reinvented”, which sometimes leads to identity difficulties. Their successes exist, but challenges remain, particularly in the academic field, where boys from these communities experience more failure, compared to girls, who are more successful.
Hakim El Karoui also warns of the fact that territorial inequality exacerbates tensions, pushing young people to settle in areas where the cost of real estate is more accessible, but where professional and educational opportunities may be limited. These social dynamics are at the origin of geographical concentration and an imbalance of opportunities.
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A demographic paradox
and increased competition
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Looking to the future, Hakim El Karoui considers the demographic issue as a major challenge for Europe. While Africa is facing rapid population growth, Europe is aging and experiencing a generational renewal deficit. He says this will likely lead to increased competition between European countries to attract immigrant workers.
For the consultant, the African diaspora must organize itself to influence the public debate and promote successful integration, despite the obstacles. “The diaspora must also be proud of what it has accomplished”he concludes, recalling that the future of France and Europe could well depend on their ability to recognize and value the contribution of immigrant populations.
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Agenda Paris, Tuesday 11/26/24 – Eight Ambassadors will participate in the XVe CAAPdedicated to rail networks in Africa. REGISTRATIONS OPEN.
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