Migration for educational purposes is an undeniable reality in the African academic setting. Every year, many Guinean students travel to study in Senegal, a destination widely recognised for its quality education and opportunities. Established in 1960, the Amicale des Élèves, Étudiants et Stagiaires Guinéens au Sénégal (Guinean Association of  pupils, students and interns in Senegal), serves as a notable example. Let us find out more about the central role being played by this Association in integrating and supporting Guinean students and trainees. Dialogue Migration interviewed Mamadou Djouldé DIALLO, President of the Association.

Who exactly is Mamadou Djouldé DIALLO, the President of the Association?

Mamadou Diouldé DIALLO is a young second year PhD student in statistical analysis and applications. He also holds a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, specialising in Numerical Analysis, from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, along with a second Master’s degree in Complex Systems from the École Supérieure Polytechnique in Dakar. He has been President of the Association since 23 February 2025.

Space for support and integration 

Founded in 1960, the Association aims to bring together Guinean students and support their integration into Senegal’s education system. As of today, the association has approximately 3,000 members. Our interviewee assures us that the Association’s activities are conducted under highly favourable conditions. He also emphasised that the Association maintains cordial relations with Guinean authorities based in Senegal. “We enjoy cordial relations with the Guinean consular authorities,” says Mamadou Djouldé DIALLO. “They support us in our activities and help safeguard the interests of students.”

The President went on to explain how the Association is structured: “We operate through a national executive bureau, known as the Grand Bureau, which oversees several branches located across universities and institutes. Each branch is led by a branch president and coordinated by the national executive bureau. Monthly meetings are often held between the national bureau and branch presidents during visits to the various local branches in a bid to strengthen our operational structure.”

“Today, the Association is the primary body representing Guinean students and trainees in Senegal,” says the President, adding that “it speaks for the majority of Guineans enrolled in higher and tertiary education institutions and advocates on their behalf” in dealings with the authorities and partners.

There is still work to be done, as some students may not yet be members or may still be unfamiliar with the Association. “We are doing our best to reach out to them and get them involved,” explains Mamadou Djouldé.

Protecting and supporting Guineans’ rights in Senegal

The Association intervenes on multiple levels, offering legal and administrative assistance, conflict mediation, integration support, psychological counseling and advocacy with both Guinean and Senegalese authorities in a bid to protect Guinean students and trainees in Senegal. To support these efforts, counseling services have been established within certain local branches.

Regarding student integration, the President stated that each year the Association “organises a welcome and orientation day for new arrivals.” He further explained that to maintain and strengthen connections, “discussion groups – such as those on WhatsApp – have been created for this purpose. Student tutors and local representatives also assist newcomers to help ease their academic and social integration.”

What happens following the completion of studies in Senegal? 

Regarding the return of Guinean students to their country of origin, the President of the Association notes that “the trends do vary. Some return home to contribute to national development, while others pursue further studies or careers elsewhere, often for professional or academic reasons.” However, many of those with a strong attachment to their homeland often consider returning in the medium or long term.

The President also informed that “every year, we welcome between 150 and 200 new Guinean students, spread across various public and private universities in Senegal.” The Association’s internal census currently estimates the total number of Guinean students in Senegal at “around 300.” This figure, he explains, varies slightly from year to year and between institutions. A new census is being planned to update this data.

Challenges faced by the Association 

“Today, the Association is the key body representing Guinean students and interns in Senegal,” the President emphasises. The Association includes students from most higher education institutions attended by Guineans in Senegal and acts on their behalf “in dealings with authorities and partner organisations.”

Like any organization, the Association also faces challenges. According to the President: “Our biggest challenge is lodging, especially for new students arriving in Senegal. Due to high rent costs, many find themselves in precarious living conditions. Unfortunately, the Association does not receive any financial assistance from the Guinean government, which limits its ability to provide financial or material support. We primarily operate on membership fees, occasional partnerships, and solidarity efforts among students,” he concludes.