Liverpool, UK – A Gambian woman living in the UK for nearly two decades is once again facing deportation, prompting fresh concerns over her safety and deteriorating health.
Fatou Tamba, 55, has spent the last 18 years in the UK, including the past eight in Liverpool, where she has become a well-loved member of various community organisations. Despite building a life with her partner and son in Britain, Ms Tamba was detained in March by UK immigration officials and told she would be forcibly removed to The Gambia.
Ms Tamba was previously scheduled to be deported last week via a flight from London Heathrow, but the removal was halted at the last moment following legal intervention and growing public outcry. However, a new deportation order has now been issued by the UK Home Office, with indications she could be deported as early as May 6.
The threat of removal has raised serious alarm among her family and supporters, both for her safety and her health. Ms Tamba is currently being held at Derwentside Immigration Centre in the North East of England, where relatives say her mental and physical condition has worsened significantly.
Speaking to the press, her brother Lamin Tamba said the family fears Fatou could face grave danger if returned to The Gambia due to the family’s political affiliations. “If she is sent back, she will be at risk of kidnapping, false imprisonment, or death,” he warned.
Ms Tamba’s family reports that she is suffering from depression and diabetes, with both conditions deteriorating under the strain of detention. “Her health is not good at all,” said her brother. “Doctors have put her on medication and are very concerned about her condition—both physically and mentally.”
Fatou has been an active voice in Liverpool’s refugee support networks, including with organisations like Right to Remain, where she has supported other asylum-seeking women. Community leaders say her potential deportation would not only endanger her life but also rip apart a vital part of their support systems.
“Fatou is an important part of our community,” said Maggy Moyo from Right to Remain. “We are standing together to oppose these cruel deportation policies that break families apart and put lives at risk.”
Simon Petty, a volunteer with Liverpool’s Asylum Seeker Support network, called the UK government’s deportation plans “cruel and inhumane.” He added: “Fatou’s life is in real danger if she is sent back. She deserves safety and stability with her family, not detention and removal.”
The Home Office has declined to comment on the case, in line with its policy of not addressing individual deportation matters. Meanwhile, a public petition calling for the removal order to be scrapped is gaining traction as activists continue to campaign for Fatou’s release.
