A campaigning charity has revealed a former political activist from Ivory Coast - who they said was due to be 'forcibly removed' from the UK on a flight out of Heathrow Airport today - remains in the country after lawyers stepped in on his behalf at the eleventh hour.
The man, named Kouame, is said to have fled civil war in the African country in 2014 because of 'explicit risks to his life' and sought refuge in Greater Manchester, revealed the Manchester Evening News. His surname and age haven't been revealed.
The Manchester-based charity - Refugee and Asylum Participatory Action Research (RAPAR) - said he was made homeless but found accommodation in Salford under Greater Manchester's 'A Bed Every Night' homelessness scheme and has now joined groups within the charity. Kouame's initial claim for asylum was turned down before an appeal against the decision rejected by a judge.
RAPAR, however, said it would now be far easier for him to recover evidence to back his claim from Ivory Coast as the political situation in the African country has settled recently. Despite that, and the charity's fears he would be in danger if he returned, he was sent to an immigration removal centre ahead of the planned flight on Friday evening.
The charity, however, has now confirmed his place on the flight was withdrawn 'pending consideration of further evidence'. Last-minute legal representation is said to have been found.
In a statement to the Manchester Evening News, the charity said: "RAPAR is very grateful for all the support Kouame has received from community groups in Manchester - and organisations elsewhere - to ensure we found excellent last-minute legal representation that led to today's flight being cancelled.
"We know there is much work still to be done and we will continue to build the campaign alongside Growing Together, Roots and others, including the many individual supporters Kouame has in Manchester.
"RAPAR has been copied into hundreds of support letters and emails highlighting Kouame's case. They have been sent to the Home Office, MPs, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, the airline, and the pilots' association. People have also shared his story on Twitter and on Instagram.
"Both Kouame and his campaign group would like to thank everyone who has shown their support and we hope to see him back in Manchester soon. Every person seeking asylum has the right to have their evidence properly considered by the Home Office and we hope this will now happen."
The charity said after arriving in Greater Manchester, he contacted several charities and joined a number of active groups. "Kouame is cherished by many people in Greater Manchester as the letters and messages of support we have received have shown," said a spokesperson for the charity, which was founded in Salford. "Kouame belongs here."
In 2011, the second Ivorian civil war erupted following a disputed election result, which led to armed conflict. More than 100,000 refugees fled to nearby countries and others who had been specifically targeted came to Europe to seek asylum, RAPAR said.
Kouame is said to have joined the Ivorian Popular Front (IPF) in 2004, just after he finished college. "RAPAR, Growing Together, Roots and City of Sanctuary were some of the organisations he worked with - and Kouame said being outside, keeping active and busy, helped him to cope with depression," said the charity, which is appealing to the public to contact their MPs to raise the issue.
"He started to spend more time outside, digging at the allotments, and going out on his bike for as much of the day as he could. He also joined the mental health group at RAPAR, where he is an active member.
"Kouame continues to seek refuge in the UK despite having already been rejected by the asylum system, made destitute, street homeless and now detained. Kouame belongs here. Please help us to keep Kouame safe and to protect his internationally enshrined human rights."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "Each case is considered on its individual merits by caseworkers who receive extensive training. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered in light of published country information ensuring all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity.
"We will not return anyone to countries where they have been found to be at risk of persecution or serious harm."
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