Seydou Diop’s journey was extremely difficult. The young Senegalese man travelled from east to west across Europe. He experienced the cold of Russian schools and foreign detention centres in Germany, before finally arriving in France. Having been forced to flee the war in Ukraine, he is now trying to rebuild his life after four years of hardship.

His journey began with an academic dream and a desire for a better life back in 2018. Initially, Seydou left Senegal with a clear goal: to continue his studies in a more favourable environment. He arrived in Russia full of courage. He adapted to the severe cold and learned Russian, a very difficult language. He studied hard until everything changed. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Due to the war and the sanctions imposed on Russia, Seydou’s life became unbearable. He found himself caught up in a conflict that did not concern him. He had no choice but to flee. He left his books and hopes of earning a degree behind to head towards Western Europe. “At the time, I presented myself as a refugee fleeing the war to be able to get to Germany,” he recalls. However, this new beginning in Germany would prove very challenging.

Germany: Three years of patience

When Seydou arrived in Germany, he began a lengthy administrative process involving a great deal of paperwork. For nearly three years, he tried to find his place in the country. He learned the basics of German and tried to integrate into this highly structured society. 

Despite his best efforts, however, the cultural differences proved too overwhelming, preventing him from moving forward. Seydou did not want to rely solely on financial assistance from the government. “Life in Germany became complicated. You could be repatriated at any time. That is why I was waiting for the right moment to make it to France, where things are a little more relaxed,” he said. What he really wanted was to work and become part of society. However, Germany has clearly defined rules that must be followed in order to find one’s place in a community. By the end of 2025, he realised that he had no future there. He then decided to cross another border – this time to France.

France: the ultimate hope

Seydou arrived in France at the end of 2025. At least he no longer faced the language barrier there, and he could also rely on the well-established Senegalese community. He did not give up. For him, France represented an opportunity: he already spoke the language and felt closer to the culture. To demonstrate his courage and determination to succeed, he chose one of the most challenging paths: a career in the military. He applied to join the Foreign Legion, a renowned unit in which one can become a soldier and serve a new country. Seydou gave it his all. He underwent demanding physical tests and security interviews. Unfortunately, he was not accepted. It was a hard blow, but he remained strong.

Seydou Diop is still thinking about his future today. His journey from Moscow to Berlin and then to Paris is a testament to his resilience and determination. He continues to search for his place in the world. Unlike in Russia or Germany, he has relatives in France, as do many other Senegalese migrants. This would be a significant advantage should he ever decide to return home.