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Germany: New Laws and Regulations in October 2024

October 2024 brings new laws and regulations in Germany. Among other things, students will receive more financial support, winter tyres with a particular symbol will be mandatory, a new set of questions will be introduced for the driving test, support will end for Windows 11 versions and tenants will be allowed to install balcony power plants without permission. Here is …

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Germany: Webinar on how to transition from Duldung to secure legal status holds

ANNOUNCEMENT An informative online session discussing the transition from tolerated stay (Duldung) to a secure legal right of residence in Germany will be held on Wednesday, 2 October 2024. Topics to be covered at the virtual event, titled “From Tolerated Stay to Right of Residence in Germany,” include the legal frameworks governing tolerated stay, options for regularizing one’s status and …

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Germany: African ambassadors and diaspora communities celebrate unity in Berlin

Berlin hosted a significant event on Saturday 21 September aimed at fostering unity and collaboration between African diplomatic missions and the organized African communities in Germany. Organized by the African Ambassadors Group, the event, christened ‘Celebration of Africa Day with the Diaspora 2024’, saw the participation of diplomats from African embassies in Germany alongside representatives of various African associations in …

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Chronicles of a German-Born African (Part 7)

In her new short autobiographic book, Cologne-based legal scholar and creative author Nesa narrates her story, of an African girl who was born in Germany but raised in the continent and now lives in the country of her birth. This is the 7th episode of Nesa’s chronicles, in which she shares her pregnancy story and the lessons she learned along …

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African Development Bank celebrates 60 years of impact

Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebration of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group in Abidjan on 10 September, its President, Akinwumi Adesina, praised the bank’s achievements, calling it a day of joy. Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, hosts the bank’s headquarters. Since its founding in 1964, the bank had supported over 6,500 projects across Africa, he said. In …

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German Africa Award 2024 goes to Sierra Leonean politician

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the mayor of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, has been awarded the German Africa Award for her innovative and unwavering commitment to sustainable urban development and local participation. The prize will be presented to the African politician by Bundestag President Bärbel Bas on 16 October 2024 at the Allianz Forum in Berlin. With her participatory approach …

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Seeking Solutions: Bonn conference tackles Europe’s migration challenges

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 …

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Tribute to Prince Adeniran Gbadebo at 70

Tuesday, 24 September 2024, marks the 70th birthday of Prince Adeniran Gbadebo, a Berlin-based businessman, philanthropist and distinguished member of the royal family in Igbajo, Osun State, Nigeria. Prince Gbadebo is celebrated not only for his business achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to his community, both in Nigeria and within the African diaspora in Europe. Prince Gbadebo is …

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Study reveals widespread prejudice within German police

A recent study commissioned by the German government has revealed that approximately one-third of police officers observed racist remarks made by colleagues within a one-year period. This finding is part of a comprehensive report on the everyday experiences and attitudes of police officers, conducted by the German Police University. The study (Motivation, Einstellung und Gewalt im Alltag von Polizeibeamtinnen und …

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Bürgerfest: German president celebrates civic engagement and ties with Kenya

On 13-14 September 2024, Schloss Bellevue in Berlin, the official residence of the German President, hosted the annual Bürgerfest (Citizen Festival), a two-day event celebrating civic engagement. President William Ruto addressing the opening ceremony of the Bürgerfest while his wife Rachel Ruto looks on/Photo: All Photos: AfricanCourierMedia This year’s festival had a special focus on Africa, with Kenya as the …

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