By Dennis Faux
A 56-year-old woman from Sierra Leone who has been sleeping at an airport in northern Brazil for about six months will receive government assistance to continue her journey after a federal court order, officials said.
Fatmata Sessay has been living at Belem International Airport since December after failing to board a flight to Panama when her passport was stolen, according to local authorities and prosecutors.
On Friday, a federal judge ordered the Para state government and Brazil’s foreign ministry to provide consular support within 48 hours, including helping her obtain travel documents and visas required to reach Colombia and Panama.
The ruling followed a request from federal prosecutors, who argued that Sessay had been left in a vulnerable situation without adequate state support.
Sessay said she had been sleeping on the airport floor and relying on a municipal shelter for meals and basic services.
“I sleep right here on the floor. During the day, I go to a shelter to eat and take a shower,” she said.
Prosecutor Nadilson Portilho said arrangements had been made for Sessay to travel to Panama on June 22, while authorities work to secure the necessary documentation.
“We will assist her in obtaining her visa and international vaccination certificate so she can continue her journey,” Portilho said.
Sessay, who previously lived in Sao Paulo for 18 years, said she had set out late last year to find her 15-year-old son in Panama. During her journey, she reported being robbed in Peru and again in Belem, where she lost both her passport and a plane ticket.
Despite later obtaining a replacement passport, she was unable to afford another ticket and remained at the airport.
Local authorities said she has received assistance since late 2025, including meals and enrollment in a social welfare programme. However, she declined overnight shelter, saying she felt safer at the airport.
The federal prosecutors’ office also raised concerns about possible discrimination in her treatment, suggesting that her case may reflect broader issues of xenophobia and racism.
Brazil’s foreign ministry said consular matters should be handled through immigration authorities, while local officials said efforts had been made to connect Sessay with support services.
Following media coverage of her case, members of the public have offered her temporary accommodation and assistance.
