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.
Germany’s 2025 Bundestag election has once again highlighted the growing diversity in the country’s political landscape.
According to a comprehensive report by Mediendienst Integration, 73 of the 630 MPs elected at the 23 February polls have immigrant backgrounds, making up approximately 11.6% of the parliament.
This figure aligns closely with the 11.3% recorded in the 2021 elections, indicating a stabilisation in the representation of members with migration histories in Germany’s federal legislative body.
Among the 73 MPs with a migration background are three Afro-German politicians, two of whom secured direct mandates by obtaining the highest number of votes in their constituencies — a testament to their strong support at the grassroots level.
While the previous parliament had a record four members of African origin, the successful election of three Afro-German MPs this time still highlights the growing diversity in Germany’s political representation.
Meet the three Afro-German members of the new Bundestag:
Awet Tesfaiesus
Awet Tesfaiesus, a member of Alliance 90/The Greens, was re-elected to represent Kassel in the state of Hesse, winning the highest number of votes cast in her constituency. Born on 5 October 1974 in Eritrea, Tesfaiesus immigrated to Germany with her family during her childhood. Her journey from a refugee to a prominent political figure is both inspiring and emblematic of Germany’s evolving diversity.
Before her initial election to the Bundestag in 2021, Tesfaiesus served as a city councillor in Kassel from 2016, where she was the spokesperson for integration and equality for the Green parliamentary group. As a lawyer specializing in asylum law, she has been a steadfast advocate for equal opportunities, comprehensive asylum law reforms and the fight against racism and discrimination. Her re-election signifies continued support for her commitment to social justice and inclusivity. She is expected to continue challenging the status quo and pushing for the rights of marginalised communities.
Armand Zorn
Armand Zorn, representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD), secured re-election for the Frankfurt am Main I district, this time via the party list. He narrowly missed a direct mandate by just 400 votes, having been directly elected in 2021. Despite this, he is pleased to return to the Bundestag.
Born on 18 July 1988 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Zorn moved to Germany in 2000 at the age of 12, joining his parents in Halle (Saale). His educational background is extensive and international; he studied Political Science and History at Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, European Affairs at Sciences Po in Paris and later earned a Master’s degree from the University of Konstanz and a Master of Laws from Martin Luther University.
Prior to his political career, Zorn worked as a management consultant, advising companies on digital transformation, risk management and compliance with legal regulations. His professional journey also includes roles in development cooperation, focusing on sustainable business practices through new technologies. Zorn’s trajectory from his early days in Cameroon to the Bundestag serves as a motivational narrative for young Germans of African origin, showing the possibilities for them in German politics.
“I grew up in modest circumstances. However, I was always taught that with diligence and hard work you can realise your dreams. With the support of my parents and society, I succeeded in developing and realising my potential,” Zorn himself says.
Sanae Abdi
Sanae Abdi, a member of the SPD, won a direct mandate to represent the Cologne I constituency in North Rhine-Westphalia. Born on 7 July 1986 in Morocco, she emigrated to Germany at the age of three. Abdi grew up in Lüdenscheid, in the Sauerland region, and pursued legal studies at the University of Marburg, the University of Bonn, and the University of Cologne. From 2018 to 2021, she worked at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Bonn, coordinating projects on sustainable supply chains in the textile industry.
In her first term in the Bundestag, Abdi focused on issues such as equal opportunities in education, anti-discrimination and integration. She identifies as “Cologne’s representative for social justice and consistent climate protection,” reflecting her commitment to both social equity and environmental sustainability. Her re-election is a testament to her constituents’ trust in her advocacy for marginalised communities and dedication to progressive policies.
Fresh perspectives
The election of these three Afro-German MPs highlights the gradual yet significant strides Germany is making towards a more inclusive and representative democracy. Their diverse backgrounds and professional experiences enrich the Bundestag’s discourse, bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront of German politics. As they continue to serve, their contributions are poised to influence policies on integration, social justice and diversity, reflecting the multifaceted identity of contemporary German society.
Femi Awoniyi
