THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
On 25 January 2025, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate for a protest dubbed the “Sea of Lights Against the Right-Wing Shift.” The event was organized in response to the growing influence of right-wing extremism and aimed to highlight the importance of preserving democratic values.
Participants illuminated the area with candles, phone lights and LED chains, carrying signs with slogans like “Berlin remains colourful” and “If the AfD is the answer, how stupid was the question.” While organizers estimated around 100,000 participants, police reported approximately 35,000 attendees.
Prominent speakers addressed the crowd, calling for solidarity and action against divisive ideologies. Anna-Nicole Heinrich, chair of the Synod of the Evangelical Church in Germany, urged attendees to stand up for justice and compassion, emphasizing the need to resist those undermining democracy. She also appealed to politicians to uphold integrity during campaigns, avoid inciting hatred and reject misinformation.
Climate activist Luisa Neubauer encouraged collective resistance to right-wing narratives, declaring, “They want to spread darkness, so let’s turn on the light.” Meanwhile, author Carolin Emcke stressed the importance of defending the “vocabulary of dignity” to combat language that fosters hierarchies and discrimination.
The protest was organized by groups such as “Fridays for Future,” “Parents Against the Right,” and Campact. Organizers called on democratic parties to categorically rule out any collaboration with right-wing extremist groups, including the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. They also demanded stricter regulations to curb hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms, advocating for severe penalties or even shutdowns for platforms that fail to comply.
These demonstrations come at a critical time, as Germany prepares for federal elections on 23 February. With the AfD polling strongly in some regions, many fear that their rise could significantly impact the political landscape. Key issues such as climate policy, economic transformation and social equity have become central topics of debate, as voters consider the direction of the country’s future.
Parallel protests took place in cities like Cologne, where thousands marched under the banner “#5vor12 – Loud for Democracy.” Organizers highlighted the stakes of the upcoming election, emphasizing that democratic values and social cohesion are at risk if right-wing extremism gains further ground.
These nationwide protests reflect a growing public commitment to rejecting extremism and safeguarding Germany’s democratic principles.
Sola Jolaoso
