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Abdoulaye Diabate

Abdoulaye Diabate is a member of the Dioula tribe who live in the north of the West African state known as the Ivory Coast. Abdoulaye is thirty one years old. He was born in Guiberoua.

Abdoulaye had been a student at the Ivory Coast's University of Cocody, Abidjan where he had been obliged to find accommodation in the household of a family of the Beta tribe. Such people were the supporters of the then ruling party, the FPI (Ivoirian Popular Front). Whilst staying at this house it became apparent that it had become a meeting place, according to Abdoulaye: "For the FESCI (Federation of student union in Ivory Coast), and the Young Patriots Group. They were the militia branch of the then ruling party headed by the notorious young patriot leader Charles Ble Goude who caused genocide in the Ivory Coast." Many of these people from the Dioula tribe were innocent victims.

Eventually, the occupants of this house came to believe that Abdoulaye was passing on information and was subsequently accused of exposing plans to kidnap or arrest and kill opposition party members and civilians.

Whilst visiting his sister in Guiberoua he was arrested and beaten by FPI government agents and imprisoned. Fortunately, due to lax security Abdoulaye was able to escape and managed to flee to Gaghoa and from there to the United Kingdom arriving in December 2006.

The Home Office has refused Abdoulaye leave to remain in the UK. In spite of regime change in April 2011, he is unable to return home since his association with the Bette tribe and their connections with the FPI have compromised his personal safety.

Amnesty International has recorded human rights violations including sexual violence and unlawful killings are now being routinely perpetrated by the new Outtara regime.

Under the previous government, Abdoulaye's own sister was subject to such sexual violence following her refusal to disclose information concerning his disappearance. A letter testifying to this incident was described by the appeal judge as self-serving.' Abdoulaye is no longer sure that his sister, his only remaining family member, is actually still alive and now lives a life of anxious desperation.

Destitute since January 2008, he is suffering from depression and associated mental health problems. In spite of these difficulties Abdoulaye presents as a pleasant and sociable man who is settling well into the UK and is integrating well into the local community. He also has the support of Oldham Unitarian Chapel.

We ask that you support the campaign that Abdoulaye be given leave to remain in the UK on compassionate grounds.