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.
The European Parliament elections took place on Sunday 9 June 2024 in Germany. Local elections (Kommunalwahlen) were also held in eight German federal states on that day. Many Afro-German candidates contested at the elections and 10 of them were successful. Dr Sylvie Nantcha, Chairperson of The African Network of Germany (TANG), comprising more than 900 non-profit groups and individuals, has written on open letter to congratulate the newly-elected officials and the Black community in Germany
At the EU and local elections that took place in Germany on 9 June, Afro-German candidates recorded successes. One was elected into the European Parliament while nine others were successful in their bid to become members of local councils.
“It gives me great pleasure to report to you on the recent successes of our fellow Afro-Germans. Our community has reason to celebrate as several Afro-Germans in Germany were elected to important political offices at the EU and local elections of 9 June 2024,” Dr Nantcha wrote.
“On behalf of TANG, I would like to congratulate all elected representatives on their success. Your achievements are a significant step for the Afro-German community and proof that commitment and determination can lead to positive change. We are proud of you and wish you every success in your new offices! Germany is colourful. Germany is diverse. You are the face of Germany.”
Nela Riehl – Elected to the EU Parliament
We are delighted that Nela Riehl from Volt Europa has been elected to the European Parliament. Nela, the first German Black lead candidate in a European election, is passionate about human rights, feminist foreign policy and the fight against climate change. Born and raised in Hamburg with roots in Germany and Ghana, she emphasises the importance of a united Europe. “Now, as democrats in Brussels, we must protect Europe from fascism,” says Nela, who worked as a teacher before her political career.
TANG congratulates Nela on her election to the EU Parliament.
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Njeri Kinyangui – Reelected to the Reutlingen municipal council
Njeri Kinyangui was also re-elected to her position on Reutlingen’s local council. In 2014, she became the first Black female councillor in Reutlingen and is particularly committed to the integration of migrants, financial and economic policy and education. She has also been a member of the Reutlingen Integration Council since 2011. Born in Kenya, she came to Germany in 1983 and later founded Hottpott-Saucenmanufaktur, a company that sells homemade chutneys, pastes and jams. “I have a lot of skills and am recognised in many areas, not just integration,” Njeri emphasises.
TANG congratulates Njeri on her re-election!
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Catherine Nzimbu Mpanu-Mpanu-Plato – Elected to Fellbach City Council
We are proud to announce that Catherine Nzimbu Mpanu-Mpanu-Plato, also known as Cathy Plato, has been elected to Fellbach City Council. Cathy is head of an educational programme for international students at the Protestant Church and a committed member of the AWO. Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, she has lived in Baden-Württemberg since the age of 20. Fellbach has been her adopted home since 1991. She is also a co-founder of the Ndwenga organisation, which campaigns for global justice through education. Her commitment and vision for an inclusive and sustainable city of Fellbach are inspiring. TANG congratulates Cathy on her election to the Fellbach City Council.
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Vera Sompon – Elected to the local council of Ebersbach and to the district council
Vera Sompon, a prominent social worker and founder of Sompon Socialservices, was elected to the Ebersbach municipal council and the district council for the Green Party. Vera was born in Cameroon and has lived in Germany for many years. Her extensive experience and tireless commitment to young people and families in Ebersbach, Göppingen and Esslingen make her an outstanding representative of the Green Party. She is committed to fair educational opportunities and youth participation. TANG congratulates Vera on her election to the municipal council of Ebersbach and to the district council.
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Christelle Yobo – Elected to the Hamburg-Mitte district assembly
Christelle Yobo was elected to the Hamburg-Mitte district assembly for the SPD. As a committed voice for inclusion and diversity, she has made it her mission to make marginalised communities heard. Born in Cameroon, Christelle came to Germany 24 years ago. Today, she is the director of the AWO Seniors’ Club in Rothenburgsort and is passionate about social justice. Christelle Yobo is the founder of the intercultural association NaJe e. V., chairwoman of the SPD Rothenburgsort, employment mediator, organiser of the NaJe Festival and Hamburg’s Woman of the Month for June.
TANG congratulates Christelle on her election to the Hamburg-Mitte district assembly.
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Jasmin Meergans – Elected to Stuttgart City Council
Jasmin Meergans, a student and passionate social democrat, was elected to the Stuttgart city council and is the parliamentary group leader. Born and raised in Germany, she is committed to equal opportunities, education and social issues. Her energy and commitment are inspiring. Jasmin is proud to be part of the long history of the SPD and to stand in the tradition of impressive personalities.
TANG congratulates Jasmin on her re-election to the Stuttgart City Council.
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Hannah Adjiewaah Arthur – Elected to the district assembly in Hamburg-Bergedorf
Hannah Arthur, student teacher and leading candidate of the Jusos Bergedorf, is committed to equal opportunities and the political participation of young people. Born and raised in Germany, she fights for the vision of a young and inclusive Bergedorf. As a member of the SPD for five years and an active member of the Young Socialists, she takes responsibility in her neighbourhood and is co-chair of the SPD Women Bergedorf. Her vision for a young and inclusive Bergedorf is forward-looking.
TANG congratulates Hannah on her election to the district assembly in Hamburg-Bergedorf.
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Ingrid Matano Kress – Elected to the municipal council in Backnang
Ingrid Matano Kress, a Public Management student, is committed to diversity and good co-operation in society. Born in Kenya, she has lived in Germany for many years. She is an active member of the Integration Council and the Backnang Daycare Centre Advisory Board as well as the Backnang Climate Forum. Her goals include family-friendly childcare options, affordable housing and sustainable mobility. Ingrid is a member of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen.
TANG congratulates Ingrid on her election to the municipal council in Backnang.
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Sidney Gregor-Wielan – Elected to the Hamburg-Nord District Assembly
Sidney Gregor-Wielan, a political science and business law student, was elected to the Hamburg-Nord district assembly. She is committed to feminist urban development, safe routes to school and affordable housing. Born and raised in Germany, Sidney is passionately committed to the Green Party. TANG congratulates Sidney on her election to the Hamburg-Nord District Assembly.
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Dr Elly Cherwon – Elected to the Local Council of Neckargemünd
Dr Elly Cherwon, general surgeon, visceral surgeon and phlebologist, was elected into the local council of Neckargemünd, Baden-Württemberg.
Dr Cherwon, Kenyan-born surgeon and graduate of the prestigious University of Heidelberg medical school, runs his own private clinic in Mannheim.
TANG congratulates Dr Cherwon.
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More about The African Network in Germany (TANG) at http://tang-ev.de/
