A Critical Analysis of Systemic Racism in German Family Law The treatment of Black parents and children within Germany’s family law system, exemplified by the ongoing separation of a Black man and his young son, reveals deeply embedded structural inequities that amount to violations of international human rights law, writes Amal Abbass*. Through legal, historical, sociological and intersectional lenses, she …
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After a protracted legal battle and decades of public debate, Berlin’s Mohrenstraße in the Mitte district has officially been renamed Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße. The renaming was celebrated on Saturday, 23 August, coinciding with the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition. The ceremony was only made possible after the Oberverwaltungsgericht Berlin-Brandenburg overturned a last-minute injunction granted …
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Former Ghanaian MP and dedicated Pan-Africanist Ras Mubarak is leading a group of activists on an ambitious campaign to mobilize support for a visa-free and united Africa. The Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign, a 163-day, 40,000-kilometer road trip spanning 39 African countries, advocates for the elimination of visa restrictions for African citizens travelling within the continent. Launched on 18 …
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Germany has once again ruled out reparations for colonial-era atrocities, a decision that has sparked outrage among Black German advocates and descendants of genocide victims in Africa. The Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland (ISD), a leading Black German advocacy group, condemned the government’s stance as “deeply unjust and historically whitewashing.” The organization said Berlin’s reliance on the legal principle of …
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In a welcome development, Germany has unveiled four new Schengen visa application centres — two in Nigeria (Abuja and Lagos), one in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and another in Nicosia (Cyprus). This expansion, launched under a renewed seven-year agreement with VFS Global, seeks to streamline visa services and reduce bottlenecks affecting applicants. VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services …
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The European Commission has confirmed that its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin its phased rollout on 12 October 2025, launching a digital transformation of border management across 29 European countries, including Schengen-associated states. Designed to modernise the cumbersome process of passport stamping, the EES will capture biometric data — fingerprints, facial images along with travel document and entry/exit details …
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The magic of cinema shone brightly as the Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA) concluded in spectacular fashion, celebrating two unforgettable days of storytelling, creativity, and cultural pride. A Grand Opening at Deutsches Filmmuseum The festival opened on August 8 at the prestigious Deutsches Filmmuseum with the world premiere of KARMA, produced by festival …
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The suicide of a 15-year-old Black boy in a German juvenile detention centre has sparked fierce debates about racism, violence and systemic neglect within the country’s justice system. The incident, which occurred on 1 August at the Justizvollzugsanstalt (JVA) Ottweiler in Saarland, has drawn parallels to past cases of Black people dying in state custody, raising urgent questions about institutional …
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A rare opportunity for Nigerians in Germany to speak directly with their diplomats took place in Frankfurt on 1 August 2025. The town hall meeting, part of the Consulate’s Consular and Migration Sensitisation Programme, addressed urgent community concerns — from passport delays to legal challenges and child welfare cases. In this exclusive interview with The African Courier, Chuks Lewis Ehiwario, …
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Get ready to be dazzled — the third edition of Africa Fashion Week Cologne (AFWC) is on the horizon, returning in style on 13–14 September 2025 at the elegant Sartory-Saal in the heart of Cologne, Germany. This move to the iconic venue follows two sensational editions, including an unforgettable display at the Rautenstrauch–Joest–Museum in 2023. This year’s Africa Fashion Week …
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A German court has ordered a couple to repay more than €33,000 in Bürgergeld after authorities found they had been living in Nigeria while claiming social benefits. The couple had failed to inform the Jobcenter of their long-term absence abroad — a violation of the conditions for receiving Bürgergeld. The new court decision has again confirmed the Jobcenter’s right to …
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Like in every month, a series of new laws and regulations enter into effect in August. These changes will impact many aspects of daily life. Staying informed about these updates is crucial to understanding how they may affect you. Below is an overview of the key legal changes starting from August. Digital Passport Photos Now Mandatory From 1 August, applicants …
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The annual season of African music and culture in Germany is in full swing. Here are the Top Festivals you don’t want to miss before summer ends: Kenako-Festival Berlin 25 July – 3 August/ Berlin, Washingtonplatz (directly in front of Berlin Hauptbahnhof) The flair of the African cultures comes to Berlin! Visitors can buy handmade art, clothing, cosmetics and food …
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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.