FEATURES

The closing event of the first UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) took place at the GLS Campus Berlin on Friday, 21 February. The event, which brought together German government officials, scholars, international guests and civil society organisations from the Black community, featured the presentation of the final report of the advisory board set up by the German …

*By Steve Ogah On 20 January 2025, the destiny of most migrants in America took a turn for the worse after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, their fortunes further deteriorating after he signed the “securing our border” executive order, a move that could see undocumented migrants deported from the country in droves. While many migrants suspected what they …

Paulino José Miguel, a long-standing advocate for intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and migrant participation in Germany, has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz), one of the country’s highest civilian honours. The award recognizes Miguel’s decades-long commitment to fostering integration and development policy through his work at the Forum der Kulturen Stuttgart e.V. (Forum of Cultures Stuttgart). The prestigious …

On 23 February, German voters will choose a new government. Reducing immigration has emerged as the main issue in the current election campaign due to recent deadly terror acts that involved suspects with immigrant origins. Several parties have adopted the tough stances of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on immigration in an attempt to tap into the perceived potential …

An upcoming exhibition in Cologne is set to shed light on the often overlooked contributions and experiences of countries of the Global South during World War II. Titled “The Third World in the Second World War” (Die Dritte Welt Im Zweiten Weltkrieg), this expanded showcase will run from  8 March to 1 June 2025 at the NS Documentation Centre of …

Germany is set to hold early federal elections on Sunday 23 February, following the collapse of the coalition government formed by the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Free Democrats (FDP) in November 2024. A total of 29 parties have qualified to compete in the election, though only nine will be on the ballot nationwide. These include the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, …

On 1 January 2025, Romania and Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area, the European Union’s border-free travel zone. This development means that passport checks at internal borders between these countries and other Schengen states have been eliminated, facilitating smoother travel across Europe. With this expansion, the Schengen Area now consists of 29 member states, reinforcing the principle of free movement …

In a compelling inaugural lecture delivered on 5 February 2025 at the University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odutola Odukoya, a distinguished scholar in Comparative Political Economy, passionately advocated for the adoption of socialist Pan-Africanism as a transformative pathway for Africa’s resurgence and Nigeria’s development. His lecture, provocatively titled “Armageddon?”, delved into the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with its …

Germany is observing Black History Month (BHM) this February with a range of events celebrating the culture, history and contributions of people of African descent. Originally an American tradition, the Month has steadily gained recognition in Germany, with various organizations and communities hosting programs that highlight both historical narratives and contemporary issues faced by Black people in the country. In …

Farooq Adamu Kperogi*, a Nigerian-American professor, author and media scholar, explores the potential implications of Donald Trump’s second presidency for Africa as well as for Black people in America. He cautions against unrealistic expectations of a conservative cultural revival hoped for by the religious right in Africa and warns of possible dangers to the continent’s economic and political interests. A …

On 9 January 2025, a significant change was implemented in the European Union’s banking system: all banks are now required to accept real-time euro transfers. This mandate, established by an EU regulation, ensures that customers can send and receive funds instantly, 24/7, with transactions completed within ten seconds. Prior to this regulation, while standard SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfers …

‘Detty December’ has become synonymous with Lagos’s vibrant end-of-year celebrations, attracting Nigerians from the diaspora and international visitors eager to partake in the city’s dynamic festivities. The term, a playful adaptation of “dirty,” signifies the uninhibited revelry that characterizes the holiday season in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. Detty December has become an annual homecoming that fosters reunions with family and …

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 …

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 …

To many people, it may come as a surprise that people decide to voluntarily leave the country to which they immigrated. However, the reality for migrants is that not all applications for asylum or residency are approved, leaving many in a situation where they have to consider leaving Germany.  This is just one reason, why a total of 10,762 people …

Berlin – One of the main concerns migrants have when considering returning to their countries of origin is finding a job to provide for themselves and their families. They may be out of touch with the job market back home, or unsure whether the skills gained in Germany will lead to employment. For many, starting their own business presents a …

The 2024 edition of Bazaar Berlin drew an impressive 35,000 visitors to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from 6 to 10 November, offering a vibrant marketplace of unique goods from across the globe. With over 500 exhibitors representing 58 countries, the fair showcased a stunning array of handmade products, ranging from fashion and jewelry to home décor and artisanal foods. This …

In a world where so many Nigerians live far from their homeland, it can be hard to show up for those important moments in the lives of their loved ones. Whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, an anniversary or just because you miss someone, A cake-gifting service can help you send a sweet reminder that no matter where you are, …

The 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) will take place from 5-7 November at the State House Conference Center, Presidential Villa, Abuja. This year’s theme, “Adapting Stability Through Diaspora Investment: Navigating The Path To Prosperity,” reflects the critical role that the Nigerian diaspora plays in shaping the nation’s economic stability and future development. The NDIS is convened by Nigerians in …

The 5th Conference of the German Network for Forced Migration Studies took place from 16-18 September in Bonn, bringing together over 400 participants from around the world for in-depth discussions on forced migration. Maarit Thiem, who led the BICC organising team, addresses the conference’s opening/Photo: Seddy Saidykhan Researchers, practitioners, students, and stakeholders, including refugee and migrant organizations, explored the many …