A Somali migrant who was publicly honoured for bravery in Germany has now been asked by authorities to leave the country, sparking debate over immigration rules and recognition of civic courage.
Ahmed Mohamed Odowaa, a 30-year-old Somali national, received a civil medal earlier this year after helping to stop a knife attack in the Bavarian town of Aschaffenburg. In January, an Afghan migrant attacked a group of children at a kindergarten park, killing a two-year-old child and a 41-year-old man. As the attacker fled, Odowaa chased him, prevented his escape and helped police make the arrest.
In February, Odowaa received a letter of praise from Bavaria’s state premier, Markus Söder, and in May he was awarded a medal for bravery. Söder reportedly described him as an example of civil courage and thanked him for helping to prevent further harm.
Despite this recognition, Odowaa has now been asked to leave Germany. His asylum application had already been rejected in May 2024, and his appeal was also unsuccessful. He was allowed to remain temporarily under a “Duldung” permit because he was a key witness in the attacker’s trial, which concluded at the end of October when the attacker was sentenced and placed in psychiatric detention.
German authorities say that under EU rules, Odowaa should return to Italy, where he was previously registered as a refugee. Under the Dublin Regulation, asylum seekers are usually required to stay in the first EU country where they received protection.
Local authorities in Bavaria say Odowaa was issued a work permit but did not take up job opportunities that could have supported a temporary residence permit. Reports also claim he has been fined for two minor offences, with a third case still under investigation. Authorities further allege that he has had confrontations with officials, including aggressive behaviour during interactions at administrative offices.
Odowaa has denied these accusations, saying authorities are looking for excuses to remove him from Germany. He told local media that claims against him are untrue.
Officials in the Bavarian region of Unterfranken say they want Odowaa to leave Germany voluntarily and return to Italy, where he holds a valid protection status. They added that he could later apply to return to Germany legally through a skilled worker visa if he gains the required qualifications.
If Odowaa does not leave voluntarily, authorities say he could face deportation in the new year, which may make it harder for him to re-enter Germany legally in the future.