All over the world, people fight injustice to bring themselves to safety. In Guinea, where I’m from, after twenty years of military dictators led by Lansana Conte, we hoped for a better future with democracy and respect for human rights. Unfortunately, the military transition government created an electoral coup that gave power to Alpha Condé; giving this coup a chance was the greatest mistake Guineans ever made.
Once in power, Alpha Condé began taking all Fulani people – an ethnic minority that is 40% of Guinea’s population – out of public affairs, arresting and killing anyone who stood in his way.
At the time, I was leading Winden Jangen (“Write and Read in Fulani”) a nonprofit organization promoting literacy and African language preservation, especially of Pular, the language spoken by Fulani people. Those in power felt our nonprofit threatened their plan to impose only certain ethnic languages, and I was arrested and charged as a person conspiring against the government and endangering public safety. I escaped by paying money for freedom and agreeing to leave my Guinea.
Looking for where I could be free in my thoughts and actions, I came to Brussels, in the heart of the European Union and maybe even in the heart of hope. But now, 12 months later, my request to stay has been denied. I have made a second request, and I hope the Belgian government will forget the economic crisis and share the kindness, hope, and tolerance of the Belgian people.
I am very grateful to Belgium. I see my cup as half full, not half empty, because I could not imagine living the stories I’ve been told by the homeless men I serve at Le Clos, a social restaurant that partners with Serve the City. All over the world, people fight injustice to bring themselves to safety. I am grateful I get to pass along the kindness shown to me by Serve the City to others in need, while we all try to get a little closer to safety.
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