The article discusses the Senegalese National Assembly’s examination of a bill regarding a prisoner assistance agreement with Morocco and highlights the challenges faced by Senegalese citizens abroad, particularly concerning residence permits. Minister Yacine Fall emphasized the importance of respecting human rights in host countries. MPs have called for reciprocity in the treatment of their citizens compared to foreigners in Senegal, urging a reevaluation of bilateral agreements.
On Monday, Yacine Fall, the Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, addressed the National Assembly regarding a bill that would allow the Senegalese president to ratify an agreement with Morocco. This agreement focuses on aiding prisoners and transferring convicted individuals. The session also provided an opportunity to address the difficulties faced by Senegalese nationals abroad, particularly related to residence permit issues.
Minister Fall highlighted the challenging circumstances faced by many Senegalese citizens, especially in Mauritania, where the absence of residence permits leads to severe harassment. She affirmed that while Senegalese must respect local laws in host countries, there is a fundamental expectation that these countries uphold human rights standards. “It is not acceptable to persecute a person simply because they do not have a residence permit,” she stated.
MP Tahirou Sarr echoed Fall’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for reciprocal treatment of Senegalese citizens abroad. He pointed out the incongruity in the treatment of foreign nationals who can live freely in Senegal while Senegalese people face exorbitant fees for residence permits in other nations. He asserted that Senegal should no longer tolerate such unilateral imbalances.
Supporting this stance, MPs Guy Marius Sagna and Babacar Ndiaye called for a firmer stance from Senegal regarding the treatment of its citizens. They advocated for policies ensuring that Senegalese abroad receive treatment equal to that of foreigners in Senegal, declaring, “It is time for Senegal to demand fair treatment for its citizens.”
This discussion highlights ongoing concerns about the rights of migrants and the necessity to reassess bilateral agreements that Senegal holds with various international and African partners. The debate around the reciprocity of treatment for foreign nationals persists, revealing the need for a protective policy framework for Senegalese citizens abroad. The issues surrounding residence permits and detainee assistance mirror a more extensive challenge of safeguarding the rights of Senegalese abroad within the context of both domestic and international law.
In conclusion, the recent discussions within the Senegalese National Assembly have underscored the pressing need for reciprocity in the treatment of Senegalese nationals abroad and a thorough evaluation of existing bilateral agreements. Both Minister Yacine Fall and various MPs have made it clear that the rights of Senegalese abroad must be protected. Ensuring fair treatment of Nigerians in their host countries is vital for reinforcing national dignity and safeguarding citizen rights internationally.
Original Source: www.senenews.com
