When you envision the leader of a Welsh language campaign group, an Ivorian refugee who fled war in West Africa may not be the first image that comes to mind.
However, Joseff Gnagbo from Ivory Coast has defied expectations by being elected as the chairman of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, a significant Welsh language campaign group. This remarkable achievement occurred just five years after he sought asylum in Wales.
Joseff’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first person not born in Wales to hold this prestigious title. Additionally, he is the first person of color to do so. His motivation for leading this campaign is driven by a deeply-held principle: embracing the language of the community he lives in.
Regardless of where he resides, Joseff believes in speaking the language of the country and community. He explained,
- “I have a principle. That whatever community I live in, whatever country I live in, to speak the language of the country and community.”
This commitment to embracing the Welsh language is an integral part of his identity, the BBC has reported.
Before seeking asylum in Wales, Joseff worked in the media and was a rapper in Ivory Coast’s largest city, Abidjan. His outspoken nature and strong voice made him a prominent figure, especially during the civil war when he supported the government against rebellion.
The civil war, which lasted from 2002 to 2003, divided Ivory Coast between the government-controlled south and the rebel-held north. A second civil war in 2010-2011 further intensified the conflict and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Joseff’s vocal support for the government against the rebellion led to threats on his life, compelling him to flee Ivory Coast. His departure was a result of his unwavering principles and the danger he faced for expressing his opinions. He recalls this period with bitterness, stating,
- “I had to leave my country just for my opinion. It made me very bitter. For many years I was a bitter man.”
Currently residing in the Rumney area of Cardiff with his family, including two children attending Welsh schools, Joseff views Wales as the place that offered him a chance to start anew. He considers himself Welsh and acknowledges the pivotal role played by Wales in his life.
- He shared, “I applied for asylum, and it was the Home Office that decided to move me to Wales. I knew about the country and the rugby team and that beautiful flag with the dragon, but I didn’t know about the language.”
Upon arriving in Wales, he embarked on a journey of learning the Welsh language. The motivation was clear: it was a means to integrate into the society that had given him shelter and a new beginning. He didn’t waste any time and started learning Welsh immediately.
The Welsh language has opened doors for Joseff and allowed him to discover Welsh culture. He describes his five-year journey to fluency in Welsh as a source of great pride. Furthermore, he actively encourages other asylum seekers and refugees to undertake a similar journey.
He emphasized that many teachers still hold misconceptions that learning Welsh might be confusing for asylum seekers and refugees. However, Joseff, who is fluent in six languages, including French, English, Italian, German, Swahili, and now Welsh, dispels this misconception.
With his recent appointment as the chairman of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Joseff is eager to contribute to the Welsh language and community. He sees the Welsh language as inclusive and open to everyone, regardless of their background. He expressed his commitment, saying,
- “I really want to contribute a lot to the Welsh language, because of what I received from it, and for the Welsh-speaking community, I also want to contribute and give back.”
Joseff’s remarkable journey from Ivorian refugee to leading a Welsh language campaign group showcases the power of determination and inclusivity.
This report is brought to you by the BBC, highlighting stories of resilience and unity in our diverse world.
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