Minister Yacine Fall addressed the National Assembly regarding a bill on assistance to prisoners, highlighting the harassment faced by Senegalese citizens abroad due to residence permit issues. MPs emphasized reciprocity in treatment for foreign nationals, advocating for fairness in residence permit policies. The discussions raised pertinent issues regarding the protection of human rights for Senegalese abroad.
On Monday, Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs Yacine Fall addressed the National Assembly regarding a bill for ratifying an agreement between Senegal and Morocco. This agreement pertains to the assistance of prisoners and the transfer of convicted individuals, and it provided a platform for discussions about the rights of Senegalese citizens abroad, particularly concerning residence permits.
Minister Fall highlighted the plight of Senegalese nationals, especially in Mauritania, where the absence of residence permits subjects them to harassment. She acknowledged the necessity for compliance with local laws while insisting that host countries also uphold human rights. “It is not acceptable to persecute a person simply because they do not have a residence permit,” stated Yacine Fall.
MP Tahirou Sarr echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for reciprocity. He criticized the disparity whereby foreign nationals, including Gabonese and Mauritanians, reside in Senegal without restrictions, while Senegalese citizens face exorbitant costs for residence permits in those countries. He argued that Senegal should no longer be a “ground of unilateral tolerance.”
Support for this view was reiterated by MPs Guy Marius Sagna and Babacar Ndiaye, who urged for a stronger stance on behalf of Senegal’s citizens. They insisted it is time for the nation to demand equitable treatment for its citizens similar to that afforded to foreign nationals residing in Senegal.
This situation brings forth critical discussions regarding the rights of migrants and the necessity of reassessing bilateral agreements with both African and international partners. The ongoing discourse about the reciprocity of treatment for foreign nationals highlights the broader imperative of safeguarding the rights of Senegalese abroad within the framework of national and international laws.
In conclusion, the discussions on the rights of Senegalese citizens abroad and residence permit issues reflect broader concerns about reciprocity and fair treatment. Minister Yacine Fall has acknowledged the challenges faced by Senegalese in foreign countries, advocating for respect for human rights. The sentiments expressed by MPs regarding the need for mutual respect and equitable treatment further highlight the urgent need for an effective policy to protect Senegalese nationals abroad.
Original Source: www.senenews.com
