Ahmed Salem, once again threatened with expulsion, can count on his support

Arriving in France six years ago to flee his country, the Central African Republic, Ahmed Salem is once again threatened with expulsion. Based in Langres (Haute-Marne) since 2020, those who have made a place for themselves in the community life of the town can count on their many supports.

30 days. This is the time given to Ahmed Salem to leave French territory. On December 13, 2024, the Haute-Marne prefecture gave Ahmed Salem one month to return to his country of origin, the Central African Republic. A decree which follows his request for a residence permit, which initially remained unanswered, then refused. He is also banned from returning to France for 18 months.

And it's a situation he knows all too well. In May 2023, he was placed in administrative detention in Metz, before being taken to Roissy airport. But his expulsion was stopped after he refused to board the plane. At the time, on his return to Langres, he was cheered and applauded by those around him, relieved and moved.

Ahmed Salem, the big brother to all the kids »

Since his arrival in Langres in May 2020, Ahmed Salem gives all his time for others. Volunteer for charitable and humanitarian associations, such as the French Red Cross, Secours Populaire or Restos du Cœur, he is also a passionate sportsman. Footballer to be exact. A player and coach in his country of origin, he naturally found his place within CO Langres (multi-sports club) as a youth coach and captain of the club's first team.

A very popular supervisor among the children. “He gives joy to others, importance to the club and he is very caring”exclaims Hafsa, 8 years old. “He laughs a lot with us. If we lose, he tells us it doesn't matter.”add Yanis and Oussine, 10 years old. Benevolent and reassuring, Ahmed Salem is a driving force for the club. “He is at the stadium every day with the kids. For the neighborhood it's phenomenal, he's the big brother of all the kids. He is admired by everyone, and is always in a good mood.”smiles Rémi Stramare, member of the board of directors of CO Langres. At almost 30 years old, Ahmed Salem measures how lucky he is: “Everyone reaches out to me, the children have their hearts wide open, the parents too, my teammates. I want to thank everyone who supported me.”

In January, Ahmed Salem must begin new U14 and U19 coaching training in Chaumont. At the same time, he plans to follow other training to become a referee. But the OQTF (obligation to leave French territory) could well change all plans. Since the publication of the prefectural decree, there has been incomprehension and anger for those close to him.

“We are experiencing the situation very badly. We don't understand this relentlessness. He didn't do anything, he just asked to be welcomed”exasperates Marouane Jehimi, employee of the club. “We will do everything to ensure that he gets his papers soon. We won't let him down, of course.”

Ahmed Salem also finds this administrative decision illogical. So he turned to his lawyer, Me Dominique Clemang, to file an appeal with the administrative court of Châlons-en-Champagne (Marne). To give him a little more time and new hope to stay in France. Today, the football coach oscillates between resilience and resignation: “In life, there are ups and downs. It's not the end of the world, I'm still alive. But I can't go back to my country. Maybe I can try my luck in Spain, Belgium, Italy or Germany. Maybe these countries will protect me if France doesn't want to protect me.” Before getting there, he can count on the support of those around him: “I think we're generalizing too much, that he's just a number. But we must analyze him in relation to the man he is. A dedicated and helpful man, who gives all his time for everyone. Sending him home means sending him to the slaughterhouse. It's very serious”, says Rémi Stramare indignantly. If the situation does not change, the members of the club have not ruled out mobilizing again to make themselves heard.

To send him away is to send him to the slaughterhouse

Rémi Stramare, close to Ahmed Salem

Ahmed Salem left his country in 2019, six years after the battle of Bangui in the middle of the third civil war. The young refugee was not spared from the violent clashes which broke out on December 5, 2013: “We saw things, children killed, young people, friends, parents.” Despite several ceasefires, the civil war has continued in the Central African Republic since 2004.I can't go back there, I can't dwell on the past. Maybe my life is in danger, I don't know…”

His story moved the Langrois. “When you know how he escaped there, how his family was killed… He arrived in France after a very long journey. He settles down, he says 'I want to live here in Langres' where it's cold, he finds people who welcome him, he fits into the social fabric, and they tell him 'no you can't stay, you have to leave'. We know the situation in his country, the war is in place, he risks dying”says André Desmarecaux, former member of the football club.

Ahmed Salem wants to put his life in the Central African Republic behind him and move forward in France. His biggest wish? Finally obtain a residence permit to sign a work contract in Langres. The young man, originally a mechanic, is determined to find a job as soon as possible. “Here I learned many trades: painting, moving… I also know how to drive. There, I even have job promises”he announces proudly. “Recently, he was offered training to learn the trade of carpentry in connection with Entr'in 52″continues Rémi Stramare, member of the management board of the integration company based in Langres. The latter adds: “Today we need labor. We need personnel, even unqualified, but who we will train. And Ahmed is someone who wants to work and who is full of good will.”.

The appeal to the administrative court of Châlons-en-Champagne will be filed no later than January 13, the deadline. The decision could come in the coming months. All of Ahmed Salem's supporters hope for a happy outcome so that he can finally continue his journey peacefully in his adopted city of heart, Langres.