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.
There were four Afro-German members in the immediate past Bundestag. Germany is gearing up for early election on Sunday 23 February 2025, and something exciting is happening — the rise of candidates with African roots who are set to challenge the status quo! These dynamic, forward-thinking politicians are bringing fresh perspectives, bold ideas and a vision for a more inclusive and diverse Germany. From Cologne to Frankfurt, they are stepping into the political arena with determination, ready to make their mark on the Bundestag. Meet five of the Afro-German politicians seeking to shake up governance in this country:
Sanae Abdi (SPD, Cologne): The Fighter for Social Justice
Born in Morocco and raised in Germany, Sanae Abdi has lived the immigrant experience firsthand. With a background in law and finance, she knows how to navigate complex policies. As a former member of the Bundestag, she has already made her mark in German politics. Running under the SPD banner in Cologne, the 38-year-old politician is a champion for social justice, educational equity and environmental sustainability. Abdi’s vision is clear: a Germany where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed. Expect her to continue to push hard for policies that break down barriers and create a fairer society for all.
Clarissa Fahrenholz (Volt, Heinsberg): The European Visionary
As the lead candidate No 3 for Volt North Rhine-Westphalia, Clarissa Fahrenholz strives for inclusive politics through an intersectional approach. Her priorities are modern education, mandatory anti-discrimination training, climate action with economic integration, and equal dialogue in policymaking. “My motivation to stand for election to the Bundestag comes from a deep desire for change and justice. I want to ensure that the perspectives of marginalised groups are not only visible, but actively incorporated into politics,” she adds. If the 36-year-old Afro-German makes it to the federal parliament, expect her to push for policies that would make Germany fairer and more inclusive.
Nelli Soumaoro (Greens, Hamm): The Climate and Migration Advocate
Nelli Foumba Soumaoro, born in 1990, is an international business and development consultant residing in Hamm. Representing The Greens, Soumaoro is committed to addressing global challenges such as migration, sustainable energy and climate change. The Guinea-born politician emphasizes the importance of fostering economic relations between Germany and African countries to collaboratively tackle these issues. Soumaoro also advocates for the widespread adoption of hydrogen and electric vehicles to promote environmental sustainability. A passionate advocate for sustainability and migration policies, Nelli Soumaoro is ready to make a big impact on the conversation on climate and migration in Germany.
Awet Tesfaiesus (Greens, Kassel): The Trailblazing History-Maker
Awet Tesfaiesus made history in 2021 as the first Black woman elected to the Bundestag. Born in Eritrea fifty years ago and raised in Germany, the law graduate of the University of Heidelberg has fought tirelessly for human rights, anti-discrimination policies and social inclusion. Tesfaiesus isn’t afraid to challenge Germany’s political elite, demanding a more inclusive system that truly represents the diversity of its people. Expect her to continue to speak truth to power and champion the rights of marginalized communities if re-elected.
Armand Zorn (SPD, Frankfurt): The Digital and Economic Innovator
From Cameroon to the Bundestag, Armand Zorn is proof that hard work and vision can break barriers. The story of the 37-year-old politician, who attended school in Cameroon until the seventh grade when he moved to Halle (Saale) in 2000 at the age of 12 to join his parents will definitely motivate young Germans of African origin. He studied in Germany, France, China and Italy and earned degrees in Political and Administrative Science (University of Konstanz & Sciences Po Paris), a Diploma in International Economics (Johns Hopkins University SAIS) and an LL.M in Business and Corporate Law (Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg). First elected in 2021, this SPD candidate from Frankfurt is a digital economy expert and business strategist who believes Germany needs to embrace technology to stay competitive on the global stage. Zorn is all about making sure digital transformation benefits everyone. His mission? To ensure innovation drives social progress while fighting for policies that create opportunities for all Germans, regardless of their background.
A new era of politics in Germany?
These five candidates are not just running for office — they’re redefining what leadership in Germany looks like. Their presence on the ballot signals an increasing shift towards a more inclusive, diverse and forward-thinking political landscape. Whether they win or not, their campaigns are breaking new ground, inspiring the next generation, and ensuring that the voices of African-descendant communities are heard loud and clear in German politics.
