Senegal worried about Diary Sow, "model" of excellence for a whole generation

The disappearance of the young Senegalese student Diary Sow in Paris, who has not given any sign of life since January 4, worries in France but also in her country, where she had become a model of meritocracy and inspiration, in particular for young ladies. 

REPORTAGE

Where's Diary Sow?

The mystery remains intact, nearly ten days after the disappearance of the 20-year-old Senegalese, a preparatory class student in France and who has not given any sign of life since January 4.

The situation is worrying in Paris, where the Senegalese community distributes flyers and displays its photo in its neighborhood, but also in Senegal, where the young woman is considered an emblem.

Reportage.

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Prayers organized in his neighborhood

In the village of Malicounda, 80 kilometers from the Senegalese capital, those close to Diary Sow are gathered in the family home.

His uncle, Aliou Sow, does not let go of his cell phone, hoping to finally receive a sign of life.

"She called regularly, every day," he told Europe 1. "Or by WhatsApp, but she always gave her news."

While waiting for answers, the family sticks together in this "difficult" moment.

"Uncle, aunt, mom, grandmother, we are all together."

Prayers are also regularly organized in the neighborhood, where the neighbors describe a shy, intelligent young woman, appreciated by all.  

"A model for all young girls"

And the messages of support don't stop at the student's village - they spread across the country, where Diary Sow embodies meritocracy and excellence for a generation.

"She had become a public figure," said Serigne Mbaye Thiam, who was Minister of Education when the young girl was voted Senegal's best student.

For the former manager, Diary Sow represents "a model for young girls, above all, who wanted to succeed in studies and in particular in scientific studies. This is what makes his disappearance created the stir."

An investigation into the worrying disappearance of an adult was opened last week after a complaint filed by the Senegalese Consulate in Paris.