Senegal is one of those places that, according to the preconceptions of many, shouldn’t exist — a 95%-majority Muslim population that maintains excellent relations with the U.S. In Senegal one finds proof that Islam and democracy can be compatible, and disproof that there is a unified “Muslim world” with a common chorus of grievances against the West. In part, this is what Youssou N’Dour intended to convey with his 2003 album Egypt, a celebration of Senegal’s unique Sufi traditions, which are centered around spiritual icons known as marabouts. “[I]n recent times [Islam] has come to be both misunderstood and misinterpreted by many commentators and adherents alike,” reads the liner notes. As my colleague Larry Blumenfeld has written, N’Dour decries Western anti-Muslim stereotypes but also undermines the totalizing claims of Islamic hardliners.
And what is “the West” anyway? On a world map it’s easy to see that Dakar lies well to the west of the entire European landmass.
Other points of interest:
Here is a story about Senegalese veterans who fought for the French in World War II.
A piece on the death of Leopold Senghor, the George Washington of Senegal and a very influential post-colonial thinker.
A conversation between Bill Weinberg and leaders of the African Liberation Forces of Mauritania (FLAM), in which the fate of Mauritanian refugees in northern Senegal is discussed.
A report on recent arrests stemming from publication of photos of a gay marriage ceremony in Senegal. When it comes to gay rights, Senegalese democracy doesn’t apply.
In reporting from the recent conflict in Chad, it’s been mentioned that Hissène Habré, former Chadian president and a major human rights violator, is living in exile in Senegal. Apparently the Senegalese intend to try him but they’re dragging their feet.
And finally…
Two Midwestern types, ordinary American Joes, were waiting for the airport minibus outside our hotel in Dakar. I struck up a chat with one of them, who said they’d just arrived the previous night and were already leaving. Why? I asked. “We’re U.S. Immigration, we deported someone.” That someone was a convicted rapist.
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