Diary Sow: relief on return, but misunderstanding and anger too

We all remember how the disappearance of Diary Sow, a Senegalese student in Paris, at the beginning of January, had aroused strong emotion and led to a major mobilization. After his return to Senegal, while public opinion was still recovering from the shock caused by this unusual event, Diary Sow made an appearance on social networks … to promote his second novel, And let the masks fall!. A title that appeals as much as the subject of the book: the story of a teenage girl “with a painful past” who ran away from her family home, changed her identity and moved to Paris. Although the author assures us that the story is ” entirely fictitious “And written” long before all these events », It is difficult not to see a parallel with his recent voluntary disappearance on January 4 in France.

This certainly explains, beyond the questions, the incomprehension, the disappointment, even the anger, of some people.

An attitude considered to be casual

For many people, the decision to voluntarily disappear is “toubab behavior” that is to say Western. “The fact that she is a young girl who wants to do what she pleases is frowned upon. She no longer corresponds to the image of a girl with an exemplary character. In Africa, a well-educated girl does not behave like this, without warning her parents, and above all, there is no question that she decides everything on her own, ”explains Saourou Sène, secretary of the Autonomous Union of Middle School Teachers. secondary (SAEMSS).

For others, the letter she sent to her godfather, Serigne Mbaye Thiam, Minister of Water and Sanitation, in which she says she has ” neither remorse, nor accounts ”, is an insult. “It gives me the impression that she does not respect the Senegalese, because everyone cared about her. Even those who did not know her prayed for her. There, it looks like she especially wanted to do her promotion ”, remarks Younousse, a 30-year-old Dakar resident who wonders if ultimately all this was not intended to create a buzz.

Communication blow?

The question is asked: “Coup de com to sell his novel or real need to take a break?” “Sofi, a 27-year-old master’s student in educational sciences,” doesn’t quite know what to think about it » : “She must have her reasons, but I find it a little selfish. In any case, if it’s a publicity stunt, she’ll have made a lot of enemies! »She emphasizes. And critics are raining even more since the publication of the trailer for his second novel. On social networks, Internet users are pouring out their anger: “poor girl”, “unhealthy” or even “she does not care about us! “. Messages which express the disappointment of the Senegalese. Many are also asking for explanations with regard to its status as an excellent scholarship holder, “financial aid from public money”, as Internet users recall. For the moment, she should, until proven guilty, continue to receive her merit scholarship of around 650 euros. The main interested party, she gives no clue, except to leave To those who follow her business this sentence on Twitter: ” Those who seek a rational explanation for my act will be disappointed, since he has none. A silence that irritates, but stirs up rumors. “Everyone is curious to know more! ” Saourou Sène nevertheless indicates.

As for Maïmouna, she regrets that the “Diary Sow affair” was not seized to speak more generally of the harsh reality of the students, in particular those who remained in the country: “Many students encounter difficulties, abroad, but also here in Senegal, and we don’t talk about it enough. Every year there are demonstrations because the scholarships are not received on time, because the conditions for studying are very difficult and the rooms on the campus are overcrowded. Many students are suffering and deserve to be helped. We must talk about all the students not just about Diary ”, insists Maïmouna in 2e year of law at the Cheikh-Anta-Diop University of Dakar. Such a comment, however, does not mean that everyone is turning their backs on Diary Sow. The young student still has people in the country who want to understand her well.

Understanding anyway

If the grievances are many against him, compassionate and supportive messages, especially on his Instagram page, are also sent to him. “You are a very strong young girl. Senegal needs people of your kind, I encourage you, ”writes an Internet user in her video. Because, for many, it remains a model to follow. Founder of the Senegalese Élites association, in which Diary Sow was vice-president, Mohamed Massal Guèye encourages her to “continue to do what she wishes”. “If it’s a mistake, she’ll draw the conclusions. If not, we must accept his reasons », he slices.

No frustration for one of the members of the Diary Sow monitoring committee in Paris, at the origin of the mobilization to find the student: “She is a grown-up girl, so she acts as she sees fit”. wishing “a lot of success and hoping that his action will not have negative repercussions on his future ». Despite the incomprehension, it is the relief that prevails. An internet user, concerned about his mental health, calls for “better understanding and helping him get up and lead a normal and fulfilling life” ».

In this matter, faced with the disapproval of some, there is the understanding of others. In the current health and political turmoil, the wind seems to fall. However, it is a safe bet, given its multiple, social and cultural scope, that it is advisable to be wary of possible future developments, because, whatever one may say, the mystery has not completely dissipated.

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