As expected, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has lost a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, setting the stage for early federal elections. The motion, held on Monday (16 December), saw 394 members of parliament voting against Scholz, while only 207 supported him, and 116 abstained. The result fell far short of the 367 votes needed to secure a majority, effectively …
Read More »Germany: Court acquits police officers over shooting of Senegalese teenager
The acquittal of five police officers involved in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Mouhamed Dramé in Dortmund has sparked widespread disappointment and outrage, particularly within the African community in Germany. The verdict, delivered by a regional court on on 12 December, exonerated the officers, citing self-defence as the basis for their actions. This controversial ruling raises questions about police accountability …
Read More »Germany prepares for early elections following coalition collapse
Germany is gearing up for snap federal elections on 23 February 2025 after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition of the SPD, Greens and FDP. The breakup followed the sack of ex-Finance Minister Christian Lindner of the FDP in early November, after months of internal disputes, primarily over the 2025 budget, which culminated in the FDP withdrawal from …
Read More »New book explores Germany’s labour crisis and migrant workers’ struggles
As Germany grapples with a labour shortage exacerbated by an aging population, migrants fill essential gaps, contributing significantly to various industries. However, their working and living conditions often remain precarious, raising critical questions about ethical migration policies. A significant event addressing Germany’s labour market and immigration policies will take place on 6 December 2024. Organized by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung in Berlin, …
Read More »Germany: Nigerian community to host end-of-year event
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Germany will hold its end-of-year event, aimed at bringing together Nigerians from across the country to reflect on the year’s achievements and explore new opportunities. The event, which will take place on Saturday 14 December in Berlin, promises an exciting blend of culture, networking and celebration. NIDO Germany, known for its dedication to uniting …
Read More »Germany: New Laws and Other Changes in December 2024
December 2024 brings new laws and regulations affecting people living in Germany. Among the key changes, the USB-C connector will become the standard for charging cables across the EU. Consumers will also benefit from improved information in the event of product recalls. Additionally, new protections for pregnant women will shield them from harassment by anti-abortion activists near medical facilities. Tax …
Read More »New documentary tackles Oury Jalloh’s mysterious death
Berlin, Germany – 27 November 2024 │A new six-part documentary series, Warum verbrannte Oury Jalloh? (Why Did Oury Jalloh Burn?), premieres today on the ARD Mediathek. The series delves into the controversial and tragic death of Oury Jalloh, an asylum seeker from Sierra Leone, whose mysterious death in police custody, in Dessau on 7 January 2005, has sparked nearly two …
Read More »Berlin to host closing event for UN Decade for People of African Descent
Berlin will mark the culmination of the UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024) with an event at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt on 12 December 2024. Organized by RAA Berlin e.V. in collaboration with civil society organizations, policymakers and administrative leaders, the event seeks to evaluate achievements made over the last decade while laying out a vision …
Read More »Germany-based RosaLyn Dressman takes helm of Nigerian electricity agency
Dr RosaLyn Amanda Dressman, a former President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Germany, has been appointed Director-General of the Electricity Regulatory Agency of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. In her new role, Ms Dressman, who has already assumed office, is tasked with providing strategic leadership and overseeing the regulation of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and retail in the state. The …
Read More »Berlin’s mayor advocates easing refugees’ access to labour market
Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, has called for easing access to the labour market for refugees, highlighting the critical role of employment in successful integration. “Integration is best achieved by quickly taking up employment and learning the German language,” Wegner told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). The CDU politician emphasized the need to reform existing rules, noting that it benefits no one …
Read More »Yorubas in Germany hold National Congress and Award Gala
Egbe Isokan Omo Yoruba Germany e.V. (EIOYG), the umbrella body of all Yoruba associations in Germany, is set to hold its National Congress and Omoluwabi Award Gala Night in Koblenz on Saturday, 23 November 2024. The event promises a vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture and values, bringing together community members and distinguished guests from across Germany and beyond. The Yoruba …
Read More »German government hails success of Skilled Immigration Law
One year after the Skilled Immigration Act came into effect, the German government is reporting notable progress in addressing labour shortages. According to provisional figures, around 200,000 visas have been issued for employment purposes since November 2023, the Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Foreign Office and the Ministry of Labour announced on Sunday. The legislation aims to attract skilled …
Read More »Greens push for full abolition of work bans on foreigners
At their recent party congress in Wiesbaden, Germany’s Green Party adopted a landmark resolution advocating for the complete abolition of work bans on foreigners without regular residency status. The Greens emphasized that those unwilling to utilize such opportunities should consider voluntary return, with the party advocating robust counselling to support reintegration in their home countries. The decision, made with overwhelming …
Read More »Bavaria to speed up the process of skilled worker immigration
Bavaria has unveiled a new initiative aimed at simplifying the immigration process for skilled workers to address the state’s urgent labour shortages. As from next year’s summer the recognition of foreign professional qualifications will be expedited. According to Social Minister Ulrike Scharf, the ‘Fast Lane’ initiative is designed to streamline bureaucratic procedures, reducing waiting times for skilled immigrants. It will …
Read More »Germany’s Political Crisis: Issues at Stake
Dr Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, a member of the Green Party and former MEP, examines the ongoing political crisis in Germany, shedding light on the key issues at stake and the position of her party. — In a speech delivered on the evening of 6 November 2024, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the dissolution of the “tricolour” coalition—formed by the Social Democrats (SPD), …
Read More »People more satisfied with life in Germany, study finds
Germans are feeling more satisfied with life in 2024, according to the newly published Happiness Atlas 2024, a regular survey on the life satisfaction of inhabitants of the country. The study reveals that life satisfaction has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant improvement compared to last year. This year’s average life satisfaction score is 7.06 out of 10 – …
Read More »GAIDI mobilises African associations in Berlin for integration work
GAIDI gUG, a Berlin-based nonprofit social organisation, has announced the launch of “We Can Do More”, a new initiative aimed at mobilising African associations, organisations and initiatives in Berlin to support the integration of newcomers from African countries. Supported by the Deutsche Stiftung für Ehrenamt und Engagement (German Foundation for Volunteer Work and Civic Engagement), the project seeks to empower …
Read More »Germany issues 2,500 Opportunity Cards: These are the top recipients by nationality
In June 2024, Germany introduced the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), a new visa category aimed at attracting skilled workers from non-EU countries. Since its launch, approximately 2,500 Opportunity Cards have been issued, with Indian nationals receiving the most, 780, followed by applicants from China, Turkey and Pakistan, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior. To qualify for an Opportunity Card, …
Read More »Femi Awoniyi advocates roles for diaspora in African transformation
The Landesnetzwerk Afrikanischer Vereine (State Network of African Associations or LAV) convened its annual conference on 26 October 2024 in Berlin, where it addressed the topic “The Partnership Between Europe and Africa Amidst Epochal Change.” Held in the Erika-Hess Hall of the SPD Kurt-Schumacher-Haus, the event drew attendance from representatives of the African diaspora and German citizens interested in Africa. …
Read More »Virginia Greiner, Cornelia Strunz receive HeldinnenAward in Berlin
On Friday, Berlin’s Rotes Rathaus, the historic town hall of the German capital city, played host to the annual HeldinnenAward (‘HeroinesAward’) ceremony. This year’s recipients, Virginia Wangare Greiner and Dr Cornelia Strunz, who each received 5,000 euros, were honoured for their many years of dedicated work in combating female genital mutilation (FGM). Awarded by the Alice Schwarzer Foundation, the HeldinnenAward …
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