The shooting that took place in Austin last weekend is utterly deplorable.

and reprehensible. We bow before the memory of the victims.

We offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and express our

Wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

But this tragic act must not, in any way, serve as a pretext for throwing

neither the disgrace placed on an entire community nor questioning the historical presence

Senegalese woman in the United States. Attacking innocent, unarmed people, far away

decision-making circles, and which might even be opposed to certain

initiatives carried out in their name are contrary to the values that underpin our

Company.

Neither among our Christian parents, nor among Muslims heavily influenced by

In Sufi Islam, violence is not tolerated as a means of redressing a grievance.

any injustice, whether perceived negatively or proven. Examples from our

Valiant religious leaders abound. From the revered Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba,

founder of Mouridism, to all the guides who lived and preached during

from the colonial period to more recent figures like Serigne Abdoul Aziz

Sy Dabakh, Serigne Saliou Mbacké, or even Monsignor Hyacinthe Thiandoum,

The response to controversial situations has always been restraint, an appeal to

inner peace and a spiritual elevation which, far from drawing on violence, makes

a call for resilience, integrity, respectability, and deep belief

in God and in His justice.

During a recent hearing with the United States Secretary of Homeland Security,

Some comments may have suggested that there was an attempt to associate all of the

Senegalese people condemned this isolated act. All the compatriots I spoke with, both in the United States and in Senegal, on the contrary, condemned this shooting in the strongest possible terms.

great firmness. Ndiaga Diagne does not speak on our behalf: he alone bears the

responsibility for his actions.

Senegalese immigration to the United States essentially began in

the 1980s, accelerated in the 2000s, then experienced a new

phase between 2020 and 2024, after the Covid-19 pandemic. In all these

In the midst of waves, the Senegalese have had this constant reflex of living in community and

mutual aid. From Harlem, where the first congregation was established, to

Atlanta on the eve of the 1996 Olympic Games, passing through the states of

The Midwest, New England, Texas, and California—many have left for

the search for stable employment and an environment conducive to family life.

This collective life is organized around the dahiras and associations of

Senegalese, of which the Association of Senegalese in America (ASA) is the most

representative. Around Washington, DC, commonly called DMV on

initially attracted mostly students until the early 2000s.

Today, the network is much more complete: we find groupings

of Senegalese people almost everywhere in the United States, even in Iowa, the Dakotas, the

The Deep South, the state of Colorado, and Alaska, living in solidarity

active.

This migration was accompanied by our revered religious leaders who did not

ceased to preach peace, harmony, righteousness and strict respect for the laws and

regulations of the host country, while remaining faithful to our religious values and

cultural. That's what Serigne Mourtada Mbacké reminded us of every year

until his death in 2004. He was followed in this path by his heir.

Serigne Mame Mor Mbacké, by Serigne Abdoul Aziz Sy Al Amine (relayed by

Serigne Sidy Ahmed Sy), by Chérif Ousseynou Laye (relayed by Serigne Cheikh

Mbacké Laye), by Cheikh Assane Cissé (relayed by Cheikh Mahi Cissé), as well as

by Serigne Ibnou Omar Ba of Medina Gounass, who presides over the Dakaa of

Columbus (Ohio), or Serigne Cheikh Ahmet Tidiane Ba of Bambilor.

This spiritual work has produced visible fruits. One of the most

A notable event is the annual celebration of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba Day.

every July 28th, which has become a recognized event in New York City, where

American and Senegalese officials meet to discuss the message of

peace of the founder of Mouridism.

Furthermore, all these religious groups have headquarters which

serve as places for free meals, and sometimes accommodation, for the

destitute or vulnerable people.

Elsewhere, fellow citizens have built cultural and religious buildings, some

are leading figures in prestigious universities, others contribute

actively involved in economic life, or occupy positions of high responsibility

in large American financial institutions. That is the reality.

silent, discreet, which defines the Senegalese presence in the United States, much more

that the criminal act of an individual. It is appropriate here to thank the people

American as well as the federal and local authorities for their hospitality and for

all the facilities that allowed this development.

Bilateral cooperation between our two countries, as well as the friendship between our

peoples, initiated from the independence of Senegal and consolidated by decades

democratic practice and diplomatic work have earned us achievements

of which we can legitimately be proud. Tragedies like that of Austin

However, they remind us how fragile these achievements can seem and

likely to be called into question.

On May 1, 2010, it was indeed the report, by a Senegalese man named Aliou

Niass, of a car bomb in Times Square, New York, which helped to thwart

an attempted attack. He was honored by local authorities, and that moment

This was a source of great pride for the community, which saw itself reflected in this

an act of bravery and belonging to the city that welcomed her.

Other compatriots are cited as examples in their respective localities for

actions that contribute directly to improving harmonious living

in their places of residence: doctors working in rural states,

Restaurateurs known for their generosity towards the needy,

volunteers mobilized in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks alongside

of their fellow American citizens.

In some states, Senegalese people distinguish themselves through leadership capable of

to mobilize the highest authorities for the promotion of African values,

shared far beyond our community. This is the case in Denver or a

A fellow countryman manages to gather the cream of the crop from that state for two weeks,

around topics for discussion and activities that strengthen community spirit

American, respecting cultural and religious diversity and in a spirit

purely American.

In situations of extreme difficulty, the Senegalese community has always

trust in American justice by demonstrating restraint and resilience.

This was the case in 2020 in Denver, when an entire family was wiped out in the

following an arson attack, and everywhere else where Senegalese citizens have been

assaulted and killed or attacked. It is fortunate, however, to note, with regard to

Senegalese public opinion believes that those responsible for these crimes have almost all been

arrested and sentenced to long prison terms by the American justice system,

contrary to what is being said elsewhere. Thus, even in these moments of

In the face of extreme pain, the community chose the path of restraint and trust.

justice and dialogue with the authorities.

The Senegalese are courageous and dignified individuals who have contributed

positively to American society and intend to continue to do so, by living

in peace and harmony with all the components of this melting pot that is

American society. Any unfortunate event that occurs in the United States.

directly affects the Senegalese who reside there, because they feel fully

concerned. Ndiaga Diagne therefore cannot, in any way, summarize or define

this community. His isolated act, however heinous, does not constitute the mirror

of our values. It only strengthens our commitment to peace, to justice, to

responsibility and respect for the law, which remain at the heart of the presence

Senegalese woman on American soil.

ELHADJI AMADOU NDAO

Former Consul General of Senegal in New York