Djoly: "I'm very grateful to all of you for your support and commitment"
Bavwidi Mpanzu (Djoly) escaped persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2001 and applied for asylum in the UK. On 27th July 2011 he was given leave to remain in this country. After a successful High Court hearing Djoly said " I was delighted that for the first time in my asylum experience somebody believed me". He had to fight for his right to asylum but he never fought alone.
A return of solidarity
The campaign to support him was widespread and well-organised. Led by the Africa Time community group (which Djoly set up) the campaign raised over £5000 for his legal fees, collected 1500+ petition signatures, held 3 demonstrations, arranged fundraising film-showings, conferences and events about the DRC and asylum seekers’ right to work. We lobbied MPs and government ministers, sent them 100’s of emails and letters, wrote to newspapers. Djoly had the support of all the people and organisations he has supported in Sheffield – the support he got was just a return of the solidarity and commitment he gave to others. His message to campaigners after his victory was “keep up the good job – it does work!”
Political campaign
The campaign was a political one, trying to educate supporters (and opponents) about the history and politics of the DRC and why people, like Djoly, are forced to leave their country. We all learned about the role of western companies and governments in the theft of the DRC’s huge wealth, the proxy wars and about human rights abuses in the DRC and Africa. And the price that activists like Djoly can pay in the DRC when they oppose corruption and brutality.
Array of obstacles
Djoly faced a formidable array of obstacles between his arrival and now: the Home Office, 3 UK Government’s immigration policies, the Sheffield Star and Daily Express newspapers, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC at Sheffield Crown Court and various corrupt ‘legal representatives’.
Now Djoly plans to return to the voluntary, community and activist work that he is so well-known for in Sheffield. When I thanked him for helping me understand more about the asylum experience and the politics of the DRC he said “It’s an honour for me to be able to bring something from the worst experience of my life and turn it into a positive thing. I’m feeling part of the community, now more than ever.”
Next SYMAAG meeting: Tuesday 18th October at 6.30pm at Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, Sheffield S1 4SE
If you want to come to any SYMAAG meeting or event but find it hard to afford transport don’t be put off! Please bring your ticket or a receipt and we can pay you back at the meeting. Or let us know in advance.
Stuart Crosthwaite, Secretary, South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group (SYMAAG)
As usual, let us know if you don’t want to receive these mailings or if you know someone who wants to be included on this mailing list.
Djoly: "I'm very grateful to all of you for your support and commitment"
Bavwidi Mpanzu (Djoly) escaped persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2001 and applied for asylum in the UK. On 27th July 2011 he was given leave to remain in this country. After a successful High Court hearing Djoly said " I was delighted that for the first time in my asylum experience somebody believed me". He had to fight for his right to asylum but he never fought alone.
A return of solidarity
The campaign to support him was widespread and well-organised. Led by the Africa Time community group (which Djoly set up) the campaign raised over £5000 for his legal fees, collected 1500+ petition signatures, held 3 demonstrations, arranged fundraising film-showings, conferences and events about the DRC and asylum seekers’ right to work. We lobbied MPs and government ministers, sent them 100’s of emails and letters, wrote to newspapers. Djoly had the support of all the people and organisations he has supported in Sheffield – the support he got was just a return of the solidarity and commitment he gave to others. His message to campaigners after his victory was “keep up the good job – it does work!”
Political campaign
The campaign was a political one, trying to educate supporters (and opponents) about the history and politics of the DRC and why people, like Djoly, are forced to leave their country. We all learned about the role of western companies and governments in the theft of the DRC’s huge wealth, the proxy wars and about human rights abuses in the DRC and Africa. And the price that activists like Djoly can pay in the DRC when they oppose corruption and brutality.
Array of obstacles
Djoly faced a formidable array of obstacles between his arrival and now: the Home Office, 3 UK Government’s immigration policies, the Sheffield Star and Daily Express newspapers, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC at Sheffield Crown Court and various corrupt ‘legal representatives’.
Now Djoly plans to return to the voluntary, community and activist work that he is so well-known for in Sheffield. When I thanked him for helping me understand more about the asylum experience and the politics of the DRC he said “It’s an honour for me to be able to bring something from the worst experience of my life and turn it into a positive thing. I’m feeling part of the community, now more than ever.”
Next SYMAAG meeting: Tuesday 18th October at 6.30pm at Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, Sheffield S1 4SE
If you want to come to any SYMAAG meeting or event but find it hard to afford transport don’t be put off! Please bring your ticket or a receipt and we can pay you back at the meeting. Or let us know in advance.
Stuart Crosthwaite, Secretary, South Yorkshire Migration and Asylum Action Group (SYMAAG)
As usual, let us know if you don’t want to receive these mailings or if you know someone who wants to be included on this mailing list.
The case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state's non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony.
