“I was afraid of having to return to Mali”: in Rouen, the young Malian butcher soon to be regularized can consider his future
On Tuesday, December 27, the administrative court of Rouen canceled the OQTF (Obligation to leave French territory) issued by the prefecture of Seine-Maritime against Adama Ballo. A reduction for the young Malian and a victory “over an injustice” denounced by his boss Irwin Lafilé of the Boucherie d’Alex in Darnétal, the collective Les Énergies Darnétalaises and its many supporters. Soon regularized, Adama Ballo consider going to visit Paris during his first trips and to pass his driving license.
Adama’s journey is that of all migrants. Born in Sikasso to a blacksmith father and a mother in charge of his brother and sister, Adama will arrive in France in 2018 after a journey through Burkina Faso, Niger, Algeria, Morocco and the Spain: “I left alone and I met the one who will become a friend along the way”. It took nearly a year to reach France,” explains Adama without giving more details. It is in Tours that the Childhood Social Aid (ASE) supports the minor, then sends him to Rouen. There, after a trial in a halal butcher’s shop, Adama will do two stops at the Alex butcher’s shop: “He immediately showed that he had potential and that he was motivated. With Jérôme, my second, we offered him an apprenticeship. Adama entered the CFA Simone Veil in Rouen. Quickly, he showed abilities in practice and was first in his class. The only problem and it was normal, he had problems in general subjects. He received support from a lady on WhatsApp and from Jérôme who gave him his theory lessons. Finally, in June 2021, Adama obtained his CAP. He finished his apprenticeship on August 31 and on September 1, he signed a CDI.
Place of mobilization
With a work contract in his pocket, a regular paycheck, Adama found an apartment in downtown Rouen. Like all young people his age, he began to go out, visit the city, meet friends while being irreproachably punctual at work. Only, on May 7, 2022, having reached adulthood, the one who remains a migrant receives an OQTF: “It really surprised me. I knew it existed, because many of my friends had it. I was really afraid to go back to Mali,” Adama still remembers with anguish. Immediately, a mobilization was set up to respond to calls from his employer.
“I met Blandine Quévremont, a specialized lawyer. Then, thanks to the elected officials of the city of Darnétal, Rouen, the Rouen Normandy Metropolis, to the author Michel Bussi and his companion, to the activists of the collective Les Énergies Darnétalaises, the local and national media and a petition of nearly 40 000 signatures, we were able to carry out actions. How to dismiss a young person integrated professionally with a job in tension and socially? And also, if I defended him so fiercely, it is because he is part of the company. It is an important part. If he had to leave, he would have had to find a replacement and redo training. This could have destabilized the butchery. And then, we are a small team and there is also a bond between us” explains Irwin Lafilé. Only, the tension was there, “I even suffered pressure from the prefecture and personal attacks” insists the manager.
“The sword of Damocles is no longer above his head”
And that, until November 29, 2022. There, at the administrative court, in her argument, Maître Blandine Quévremont insisted on “the absurdity of the situation, because Adama was taken care of as a minor. He was trained in a profession in tension where it is difficult to recruit. Moreover, he integrated himself”. Admissible arguments since December 27, justice has rendered its verdict and the young Malian will be able to stay on the territory and be regularized. He will even receive compensation of 1,000 euros from the State: “on the same day, we also learned that the prefecture was not working on appeal. He will be able to stay with us. It is a relief, a satisfaction and a recognition for all our supporters. Already, Adama’s behavior at work has changed. He is more focused. These are details, but I feel that the sword of Damocles is no longer over his head,” rejoices Irwin Lafilé.
For Alain Havel of the collective, “it is the culmination of a fight for an unjust cause. It’s a victory for a youngster who has shown his worth and an exemplary boss. We were able to move the lines in order to show that migrants can also contribute to our fragile building”. As for Adama, “it’s a great joy. I immediately notified my family back home. A new life is beginning. I can envision my future. Why not start a family. But first, I’m going to visit Paris during my holidays and I want to pass my driving licence”. Simple needs and pleasures.