Senegalese diplomats based in Europe and America have been threatened with expulsion by their landlords.  In their eyes, this is a “recurrent” situation which is “discrediting” Senegalese diplomacy in their countries of residence.

There are impressions and there is also the reality of «social precarity and stress».  In many cities where Senegalese diplomatic representations and chancelleries are installed, notably in Europe and America, these diplomats have alerted on their situation, which is getting from bad to worse.  “Today housing agents in some cities have sent word not to rent out to Senegalese.  Many expatriate diplomats have received exit notices from their agents due to defaults in payment of rent and bank credits. We are not receiving our allowances as we should and on time. Recurring formal notices are served to us. We don’t understand. It’s dishonourable,” said a diplomat who spoke to Le Quotidien.

In some zones, some are in “their final warnings” prior to “expulsion”.  “It is a catastrophic situation for colleagues who have received their final warnings.  It is a possibility that these diplomats are expulsed in the coming days.  No one dares to denounce this situation.  It is as if there is sabotage somewhere », they continued.  For these civil servants; there is an impression that they have been abandoned.  Far away from Senegal where the “system D” could constitute an alternative: “Here, it is impossible to find arrangements. We have received a second warning for example on July 16.  Our banks, we don’t even talk about.  For having passed our limits for 15 days; our cards are blocked.  Let them help us sort this situation, it is a nightmare».

This diplomat is quite annoyed by his situation. He is also « embarrassed » that Senegal’s reputation is being tarnished by these « practices from another era ». « It is only in Senegal that these practices are going on. I don’t think our country has a problem with resources. We are with other diplomats who know our situation. And it’s very embarrassing, because diplomacy is the face of a country », he added.

Today, there is a feeling of « sadness » and powerlessness in the voices of these expatriates. The same is true of many of the people contacted, whether they are working in Europe or America. This is creating « an unprecedented situation of social insecurity in several countries around the world ». « In New York and Washington, it’s the same thing. I’ve checked in several cities, and it’s exactly the same », added another Senegalese diplomat.

The consequences are « terrible ». « We no longer have any credibility with banks and estate agents. We no longer have any credit. We have to fight to change the situation. I don’t know if the President is aware of this. We live with our children who receive our letters. We have to think about Senegal’s image. Nobody dares to speak out. We’re being terrorised », added another, who says that those who have come to the end of their mission find themselves in an even « more difficult » situation: « They’re waiting for their tickets and their luggage allowance, otherwise they can’t do anything ». « Senegalese diplomats suffer and suffer in silence », raged an expat who is completely « disillusioned » by his current situation.

It should be noted that the housing allowances for the 1st, 2nd councillors and vice-consuls amount to 1829, 38 Eu/month, whereas they are around 1524, 49 Eu/month for the 1st, 2nd secretaries and attachés in the Europe zone, excluding Poland.

By Bocar SAKHO / bsakho@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH