"Suitcase Boy" and Mother Reunited

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Reunions are nearly always happy occasions, especially those between a mother and child.

The young boy who was almost smuggled out of West Africa in a suitcase was reunited with his mother on Monday.

Adou Ouattara and his mother Lucie are shown hugging in a handout photo released on June 8, 2015, after being reunited in the territory of Ceuta, where the boy has been staying at a youth centre.

Last month Spanish border police found the eight-year-old boy huddled in a suitcase, after being detected by the luggage scanner.

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Adou’s parents had applied to the Spanish authorities to have their son join them on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura, but their request was denied, citing a lack of funds, reported the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

Originally from the Ivory Coast, Adou was brought across the border by a now-detained Moroccan woman. His father knew about the smuggling attempt and was consequently detained as well in Ceuta. Adou’s father was also released on bail Monday, reported the Associated Press.

According to the BBC, Spain has granted Adou a one-year residence permit.