An Undocumented African Immigrant in France Risked His Own Life To Save This Four-Year-Old Boy From A Balcony

Proof that immigrants have a lot to offer.

Irene

• Published in News
• June 1, 2018

It was only a few months ago when a 22-year-old man, Mamoudou Gassama, was in Mali, Africa. He had no idea that when he moved to France that his life would forever change; and it was all because he took a selfless moment out of his day to save a little boys life.

He was an undocumented ‘alien’, an immigrant who had no citizenship or residency within the country of France.

On a Saturday afternoon, Mr. Gassama was on his way home from the local train station in Gare du Nord, one of France’s most renowned landmarks and a hot spot for public transport.

He heard cars honking, people screaming and looked up to see what had caught their attention. Horrifically, Mamoudou saw a toddler dangling four storeys up from the balcony, with his fingertips barely hanging on. Mamoduou scaled the building and leaped onto the railing before making his way up to the fourth floor. He has now been hailed as a hero and ‘spiderman’, becoming quite famous in all of France.

“I did not think of the floors, I did not think of the risk,” he said. “I did it because it’s a child. I really like children.”

The President of France, Macron and the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, all thanked Mamoudou for his incredible act of bravery. 

Hidalgo said, “He explained to me that he arrived from Mali a few months ago while dreaming of building his life here. I replied that his heroic gesture is an example for all citizens and that the City of Paris will obviously be keen to support him in his efforts to settle in France.”

Mamoudou has now received an instant citizenship in France and has been offered a job by the local fire brigade.

Without this incredibly brave man, who knows what the fate would have been for the child

Dangling on a balcony, the boy grips on for his life

Onlookers scream as Mamoudou uses all of his body strength to make his way up the building

Not many people could do something like this

Almost there

He made it look so easy

And saved!

He's made it to the fourth level

Check out the incredible video that was initially uploaded to Facebook

Meeting with the president, and telling his perspective of what transpired

After this meeting, President Macron offered Gassama French citizenship for his “heroic act”, which is well deserved

He has been dubbed an official hero in France

Irene