Senegal: Arabic language will never replace French, anti-French are not at end of their disappointments

By:Souleymane Loum

The rumor spreads, evolves and grows, it even makes the headlines of the Tunisian media. But no, Senegal, one of the pillars of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), has not concealed its official language, French, and substituted it with Arabic. We don’t know who released this rumour and for what agenda… Or rather, we at least know that those who spread the rumour desire to deal a fatal blow to France. But there you go, it’s completely false…

You picture Senegal, which was the capital of French West Africa (AOF), falling into the hands of Arabic. This would delight many Arab countries, with which Senegal shares the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); it would significantly please Saudi Arabia with whom “the country of Teranga” (hospitality) has excellent ties. But no, we’re not there.

Some started to dream of a rain of petrodollars if Senegal took the historic conclusion to deal the final blow to FrançAfrique and enter the fold of the Saudis. But no, Senegal is not so reckless as to shoot itself in the foot. It is with the language of Molière that the country of Léopold Sédar Senghor speaks with its continent, where France holds its positions despite the decline of France’s interests. It is with this language that even the new President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his mentor, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, communicate with the Senegalese, and with the world.

The rumour caught on because the new authorities implied that they were going to get rid of all the dizziness of colonization, down to the most influential symbol, the currency which is well established in West Africa and Africa. central: the CFA Franc. So some became emboldened: And why not get rid of the French language to achieve the divorce with the former colonist? But the anti-Westerners, particularly the anti-French, are not at the end of their disappointments…

They will quickly find the gap between the views of the mind when in opposition and the narrowness of the possible once in power. Moreover, the new head of state showed colour this April by establishing contacts with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). And it is a question of the same subjects debated with ex-president Macky Sall: the financing of Senegal’s budget and the endless reforms – some would say diktats – that go with it. This is Diomaye Faye’s priority and not some divorce with France.

The President of the Republic is shifting by reserving his first official visits to neighbours, in line with this pan-Africanism which is dear to him; he doesn’t speak a word about moving outside the continent and even less in France. But it will come, we shouldn’t even doubt it. There should be no doubt regarding it because as General de Gaulle said so well “States have no friends, they only have interests”. And Senegal’s interests pass through France – Paris Club and all -, through Europe and this is not about to change. The anti-French people are not at the end of their disillusionment.