The father of Pengo Bossio Wangi, killed in the attack in Yvelines, hopes that the national tribute will raise “awareness” against racism

Bolema Bossio Wangi tried to speak out after the death of his son Pengo, killed during the racist attack of October 23 in Yvelines. Overwhelmed by emotion, he left it to Ambre Banguid, half-sister of the victim, to relay his words during a press conference organized in Paris, Monday November 2. This man notably hoped that the national tribute which will be paid to the victims would be "an opportunity for real awareness and a commitment against racism" and not simply a "moment of contemplation".

“Coming from African immigration, I grew up in France in the 80s and 90s, a period when attacks against North Africans or blacks were unfortunately common,” continued Ambre Banguid, reading her father’s written statement. “I did not believe that several decades later, my son Pengo Bossio Wangi would succumb at the hands of an individual driven by the same hatred,” he lamented, still through his daughter. “Today, in a France plagued by strong identity tensions, I am afraid as the father of black children.”

“Despite our anger and our pain, Pengo’s mother and I choose to trust in the justice of this country.”

Bolema Bossio Wangui, father of Pengo Bossio Wangui, killed during a racist attack in Yvelines

in a written statement read by his daughter

On October 23, Pengo Bossio Wangi, 26, was killed by Kévin Tessier, who also injured seven other people, including several of African or North African origin, during a bloody journey to Trappes and La Verrière. Kévin Tessier, 39, was indicted on Thursday and placed in pre-trial detention. A national tribute must be paid after this racist attack, announced the government spokesperson, without specifying the date at this stage.

“If the death of our son should serve any purpose, it is to raise awareness of the racism that has plagued French society for decades, a racism fueled by certain media and political parties,” underlined Bolema Bossio Wangi. “We love this country for the values ​​it carries and in which we deeply believe, such as fraternity,” he added. “France must always remain faithful to its values, whatever the origins” and “skin color” of “its inhabitants”.