A meeting between the new Consul General of Senegal in Spain, Mamadou Lo, and representatives of the Senegalese community took place last weekend in Madrid. Organized as part of a networking event, this initiative brought together associations, Dahiras, youth groups, and community leaders from the Spanish capital and its surrounding areas.

Accompanied by his deputy, Mama Diédhiou Ndiaye, Mr. Lo marked his first steps with an open dialogue, demonstrating his desire to build a close relationship with his compatriots. During the discussions, the major concerns of the diaspora were expressed, including administrative delays, delays in issuing passports, difficulties in obtaining civil status documents, not to mention the care of unaccompanied minors and behavioral abnormalities among some young people.

The consul general was receptive and promised concrete reforms, with the aim of strengthening services and facilitating communication between the consular administration and Senegalese nationals. "The consulate must be a home open to all Senegalese," he said.

Souleymane Aliou Diallo, president of the NGO Otra Africa and member of the mobilization committee for the National Diaspora Day, gave an update on the preparations for this major celebration, highlighting its role in strengthening ties between the diaspora and Senegalese institutions.

This first contact, welcomed by all participants, heralds a new dynamic of proximity and listening between the Consulate General of Senegal in Madrid and its community.