The Nationalists. This is the unequivocal name of a small Senegalese party which now holds a seat in the National Assembly since the legislative elections of November 17. It will be occupied by its leader, Tahirou Sarr, who ensured his visibility during the campaign with great controversy. His speech is centered on the foreign presence in Senegal, which he deplores, and the national preference, which he promotes.
In civil society, voices are being raised in the face of this breakthrough by Mr. Sarr, who was still little known to the general public at the start of the year. “We must not overestimate the phenomenon, but note the unprecedented aspect of the entry into the National Assembly of a man carrying xenophobic discourse”underlines Mouhamadou Seck, professor of law in Nantes and anti-racist activist.
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Joined by The WorldMr. Sarr assumes his line “ nationalist “. According to him, the foreign presence in Senegal “harms security” et “cuts wages” of his compatriots, in addition to“accelerate their departures in the canoe” to attempt emigration. The new MP, who criticizes the free movement of people in the area of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), proposes national preference in access to housing, employment, and the prohibition of access to land ownership for foreigners. While defending oneself from all hatred.
“If that makes me a racist, that’s a given”
“During his appearances on radio or television, Mr. Sarr is contemptuous of foreigners, most often of Guineans”underlines Mr. Seck. Tahirou Sarr thus explained that he refused to get into a taxi driven by a driver who was not Senegalese. “If that makes me a racist, that’s a given”he specified.
Its growing popularity coincides with an increase in xenophobic comments or rumors targeting Nigeriens, Lebanese or Guineans on social networks. The new MP, whose speech mainly focused on Dakar, is also surfing on news items. Seizing on the trafficking of false documents, he assures that it is the work of Guineans who want to become Senegalese. Unfounded remarks, and which the Senegalese administration itself has refuted.
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“Mr Sarr enjoys forms of complacencyunderlines Mr. Seck, who points out the role of the media in the dissemination of his ideas. Inviting him ensures a buzz. » In April, when Tahirou Sarr’s speech began to break through into the public space, the National Audiovisual Regulatory Council called to order “media [servant] platform by broadcasting or relaying comments likely to incite hatred, discrimination, racism”.
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