Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and chancellor candidate, has introduced a five-point plan aimed at tightening migration policies. His proposals include permanent border controls and the swift deportation of individuals attempting to enter Germany without valid documentation. However, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens have raised legal concerns, arguing that Merz’s measures conflict with …

On 25 January 2025, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered at Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate for a protest dubbed the “Sea of Lights Against the Right-Wing Shift.” The event was organized in response to the growing influence of right-wing extremism and aimed to highlight the importance of preserving democratic values. Participants illuminated the area with candles, phone lights and LED …

On 1 January 2025, Germany’s federal government introduced a digital portal to simplify its visa application process. Accessible at https://digital.diplo.de/visa, the platform allows applicants to apply for 28 types of national visas online, cutting down on paperwork and processing delays. This innovation is intended to benefit those seeking work, education or family reunification in Germany. Despite the platform’s supposed global …

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 …

Funke Akindele has solidified her place as a cultural icon and an unstoppable force in Nollywood, a reference to the Nigerian film industry, one of the largest and most prolific in the world. The 47-year-old actor, producer and director rose to prominence through the sitcom I Need to Know (1998–2002). However, it was her creation of the character Jenifa in …

The term “biodeutsch,” loosely meaning “organically German,” has been selected as Germany’s ‘Unword of the Year’ for 2024. This designation (Das Unwort des Jahres in German)  highlights words or expressions that promote discrimination, undermine human dignity or mislead public discourse. The term was criticized for its use in dividing individuals based on perceived biological heritage, fostering everyday racism, and creating …

The number of asylum applications in Europe decreased significantly in 2024, according to news reports, quoting the German news agency dpa and newspaper Welt am Sonntag.  In the 27 EU member nations, along with Norway and Switzerland, approximately 1.008 million first-time asylum applications were filed last year compared to 1.14 million in 2023, a 12% drop. The figures are based …

Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe’s debut feature film, The Village Next to Paradise, is set for release on 30 January. This film, which premiered in the prestigious ‘Un Certain Regard’ section at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, has captivated audiences for its poignant portrayal of life in a Somali village under the constant threat of drone strikes. The Village Next …

At a special party congress in Berlin on Saturday, 11 January, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) formally announced Chancellor Olaf Scholz as their candidate for Germany’s upcoming federal election on 23 February. Scholz’s candidacy was approved by delegates with overwhelming support, following weeks of internal debates over whether Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who enjoys greater popularity, should replace him as …

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched two new account types, the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account (NRNOA) and the Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account (NRNIA), to enhance financial inclusion and investment opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora. Effective from 1 January 2025, these accounts are accessible through authorized banks, offering a secure and transparent way for Non-Resident Nigerians (NRNs) to …