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 Saturday (20 July), the streets of Berlin resonated with the voices of about a hundred protesters from the Black community and their allies, who gathered to express their outrage and demand justice for the recent killing of William Chedjou.
The 37-year-old Cameroonian man was stabbed to death by a Turkish man during an argument over parking space on 11 July in Berlin. The victim and perpetrator did not previously know each other, the police said.
The protest march, which began at the spot where Chedjou was stabbed in the Böttgerstraße and made its way to the district centre of Berlin-Gesundbrunnen, highlighted the ongoing issues of racial violence and systemic discrimination faced by Black individuals in society.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred in the evening of 11 July, when the Turkish man, who is in police custody, attacked the African, stabbing him in the stomach, causing him life-threatening injuries. Chedjou, a father of two, was taken to hospital where he died the same day, according to a police spokesman.
The news of the senseless violence sent shockwaves into the African community in Berlin, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Organized by several advocacy groups, the march drew a diverse crowd united by a common cause. Protesters carried signs bearing messages such as “Justice for William Chedjou”, “Respect Black Lives,” and “Stop Racist Killing.” Chants of “Justice for William!” echoed through the streets, as demonstrators marched in solidarity.
The protest march in Berlin serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by Black individuals in Germany and around the world. As the community continues to mourn the loss of William Chedjou, there is a renewed call for systemic change in attitudes towards Black people.
The organizers have vowed to continue their efforts, planning more events and outreach activities to keep the momentum going and ensure that the killer of William Chedjou is justly punished for the crime he committed.
Sola Jolaoso
