9/26/21 Circle of Friends of Refugee Solidarity founded in Cologne – greeting from Alassa Mfouapon

On September 26, 2021, we successfully founded a group of the "Friends of Refugee Solidarity in Solidarity International" in Cologne.
There were refugees from Eritrea, Iraq, Iran and Turkey as well as German activists of the refugee movement. The refugees reported on their concrete experiences on the run, their life in Germany and the fight for their right to asylum. Everyone welcomed the idea of the circle of friends for mutual advice, help and solidarity to deal with problems such as being recognized as refugees, as asylum seekers, finding permanent work or enforcing the right to family reunification. A refugee from Turkey reported that his right of asylum, which he had already been granted, was revoked because he helped organize concerts for the music band “Grup Yorum”. Everyone agreed that this must not be accepted. The Circle of Friends has decided to organize a broad protest against this. 
We were particularly pleased about a greeting from Alassa Mfouapon, a nationally known refugee activist, co-initiator and founding member of the Friends of Refugee Solidarity. He writes: “I am very pleased that the building of the movement is continuing. It is very good that there will be a group of friends in Cologne in the future. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia. 
Accordingly, there are also many refugees from numerous countries. They have often experienced bad things while fleeing, and are sometimes traumatized. I know that from my own experience and many friendships with refugees. But in every refugee there is also a fighter and, above all, a human being. ... We can expect no help from the government. After all, it is jointly responsible for the causes of our flight and is driving a reactionary refugee policy. … In addition, they treat us like criminals. 
We won't allow that. That's why our song says: "We are refugees, not criminals - our hearts are full of love." (Excerpts from the greeting). He spoke from the heart of those present.

Contact and further information about planned activities: fluechtlingssolidaritaet-koeln@online.de