Visas: «Personne ne restera aux États-Unis», disent les supporters sénégalais mobilisés pour le Mondial
While excitement is running high in Tangier surrounding the Lions' qualification for the AFCON semi-finals, a slight concern hangs over the mobilization of Senegalese supporters for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Recent visa restrictions imposed by Washington threaten the presence of the "12th Gaïndé" (the Senegalese national team) alongside their national team, but the fans present at the AFCON promise respect, commitment, and, above all, a return home.
From our special correspondents in Tangier,
Just stepping through the doors of the Hotel Andalucia, perched in the hills above Tangier, is enough to be swept away by the excitement. In the lobby, piano music and drums mingle with the chants of the fans. The Lions, fueled by the hope of a second star, have reignited the passion of an entire nation, and the "12th Gaïndé," the name given to the Supporters' Federation, is more than ever behind Pape Thiaw's team this Wednesday as they strive to overcome Egypt in the semi-finals.
Issa Laye Diop, president of the "12th Gaïndé," dressed in the national colors, with the supporter leader's badge pinned to his head, receives visitors on the balcony of the room occupied by the "Seven Letters." "Even though the World Cup isn't here yet, we're already starting to think about the organization, mobilization, and entertainment for this event that's coming in five months," he confides.
Of course, the Africa Cup of Nations is on everyone's mind. But the news from Washington is causing concern behind the scenes. Since the announcement on December 16th that Senegal had been added to the list of countries subject to temporary visa restrictions by the Trump administration, the question has been nagging at fans: will they be able to accompany their team to the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico? This is especially true for the Senegal-France and Senegal-Norway matches scheduled to take place in New York. Furthermore, since January 8th, citizens of the affected countries, including Senegal, have been required to pay a bond of between $5,000 and $15,000 USD when submitting their visa applications.
The measure, which will take effect on January 21, aims to "protect the security of the United States," according to the White House. It comes on top of a wave of travel bans that have already affected twelve other countries, including Iran and Haiti, and now targets twenty new African states, including Senegal. The official reason given is the perceived high number of stays exceeding the authorized duration.
For Senegalese fans, who submit between 800 and 1000 visa applications during World Cups, the situation is completely baffling. But, "we remain confident, because relations between the United States and Senegal are excellent. Moreover, the visa process has always been clear and transparent, both on the Senegalese and American sides," explains Issa Laye, refusing to give in to discouragement.
“For this World Cup, a whole aspect of sports diplomacy is being put in place. We are counting on the Head of State, President Diomaye Faye, but also on our federal authorities. We mustn't forget that FIFA is the organizer. If there were to be restrictions, I am sure that our federal authorities will not remain idle, because the Senegalese federation needs its supporters.”*
In the hotel gardens, members of the 12th Gaïndé rehearse their songs, while the women put the finishing touches on lunch in the kitchens. The supporters display their outward signs of love for the Senegalese nation. Mbar Dione, the group's secretary general, is the guarantor of this: "Our priority is to be ambassadors for Senegal. Within our association, every member who travels systematically signs a letter of commitment stipulating that they promise to return. On every trip, no member has ever stayed behind; everyone has always returned home. No one will stay in the United States."
The same determination is evident among the women, like Fatimata Yal, an enthusiastic and determined supporter: “For me, living in the United States, Qatar, Argentina, or anywhere else, that doesn't appeal to me. My goal is simply to represent Senegal, to support the 12th Gaïndé and our Lions. Reaching the World Cup final, why not! If they refuse my visa because they think I'm going to stay there, I won't make a fuss. I'll go see the Lions in Canada or Mexico, plain and simple.”
Exile is not a plan, according to President Issa Laye Diop: "You shouldn't think that supporters have nothing to do in Senegal: we have our businesses, our families, our jobs in Senegal, and we feel very good here. Some supporters work in government services, others are entrepreneurs or business owners."
*The Senegalese Football Federation, contacted several times to discuss the subject, did not respond to our requests.
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