From the 127bis closed center of Steenokkerzeel, Alpha Oumar Diallo paints. “He is allowed one hour of painting per day, and even more”, says his friend Chaïmae whom he met while he was practicing his art in the streets of Brussels. This opponent of former Guinean President Alpha Condé was a prisoner in his native country, where he was also tortured, for having exhibited caricatures of the head of state before he escaped to Europe.
Alpha submitted a first request for asylum in Belgium in 2014. “He came here hoping to be free and understood, relates Chaïmae. He aspired to create frescoes and launch himself as an artist.” But on December 25, while going out to buy a prepaid card, Alpha Oumar Diallo was arrested by the police and taken to the 127bis closed center. After three asylum requests were refused, and one in Germany where he was “Dublinized” (the Dublin Regulation is a European treaty stipulating that the asylum request must be made in the European country through which the applicant arrived), the artist’s chances are diminishing. “But he remains hopeful”assures her friend.
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Since this Sunday evening, a seven-meter-high fresco has been proudly displayed on the facade of Mappa Mundo, a well-known bar in Les Halles Saint-Géry. A way for him to show the cultural palette inspired by cubism and surrealism, from Miro to Picasso, that he can bring to Belgium. “Alpha doesn’t ask for anything, specifies her friend. He asks for no money, no help, no accommodation. He just hopes to reach Belgian territory and stay there.” Which is not the case for him currently. “The closed center is worse than prison. You don’t know why you’re here, or when you’re going to come out. That’s what tortures him.” Especially since a return to Guinea would sign “the end for him”says Chaïmae.
A man committed suicide within the confines of the 127bis closed center
In addition to the work on the facade, Alpha Oumar Dialo will also exhibit a dozen works in the Mappa Mundo, most of which have been created since he was incarcerated in Steenokkerzeel.
