Controversy in Senegal over the non-repatriation of students confined to Wuhan

Text by: RFI Follow

The parents of the Senegalese students stranded in Wuhan, China, have gathered in a collective and will hold a press conference this Wednesday, February 4. Thirteen Senegalese are currently confined to Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus epidemic. They appealed to the Dakar authorities to organize their return.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Dakar , Charlotte Idrac

President Macky Sall said on Monday that Senegal "can not afford to repatriate " its nationals to Wuhan . A statement that arouses many comments, on social networks, and at the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar.

In his university bedroom, Ahmed Thiam follows the news closely on television. A medical student, he agreed with the president that repatriating his compatriots " is not easy ". “ We cannot, from an epidemiological point of view, afford to go there with open arms, when Senegal does not have enough efficient logistics. The State of Senegal must repatriate them, but it is a question of putting the means necessary. "

Question of means or rather of political will, believes Isabelle. In full revision for her exams, this pharmacy student says she is "in solidarity " with her compatriots. " They still have the right to return to the country, to continue their quarantine period here. It's better than being in China, not being able to study or go out. And they have no psychological and family help. I don't find it normal. "

The Senegalese state sent financial aid of 600,000 CFA francs per student trapped in Wuhan, just over 910 euros. It is not enough for Babacar. " I don't think it's a problem for me. I think he (Macky Sall, Editor's note) does not want to contradict the Chinese. It should support its nationals, like many other countries. Some African countries, like Morocco, have already repatriated their students! "

Morocco, but also Algeria, which has repatriated Algerian, Tunisian, Libyan and Mauritanian nationals. These students call on the Senegalese authorities to organize with other states in the region.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Download the app

• Senegal
• coronavirus
• China

On the same subject

Coronavirus: Macau closes casinos

Coronavirus in China: the automotive sector down

Coronavirus: in China, new technologies to fight the disease