Nigeria is set to introduce an automated system for processing short-stay visas, aiming to streamline approvals, boost tourism and attract business travellers. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo recently announced that the new system would eliminate long wait times upon arrival at Nigerian airports. Under the new policy, travelers can apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals expected within 24 to 48 …
Read More »
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is facing significant challenges with baggage handling, leading to growing frustration among passengers due to long waiting times and lost luggage. A recent survey by Allianz Direct found that 11.85% of travellers at BER experience baggage issues, ranking the airport among the top four in Germany for such incidents. On average, passengers wait approximately 2.73 days …
Read More »
The German federal election has triggered significant political shifts, with potential implications for migration policies in Germany and across Europe. Approximately 60 million Germans were eligible to vote for a new Bundestag, and with voter turnout surpassing 82% on Sunday, participation reached its highest level in decades, underscoring the nation’s heightened political engagement. — The centre-right CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
On 23 February, German voters will choose a new government. Reducing immigration has emerged as the main issue in the current election campaign due to recent deadly terror acts that involved suspects with immigrant origins. Several parties have adopted the tough stances of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) on immigration in an attempt to tap into the perceived potential …
Read More »
The Concerned Nigerians Kassel Germany e.V. has been awarded the prestigious Democracy Strengthener Award (“Demokratie-Verstärker”) by the city of Kassel in the category of “Peace and International Understanding.” This accolade, accompanied by a €1,000 prize, recognizes the association’s unwavering dedication to fostering diversity, tolerance and intercultural dialogue within the community. The Democracy Strengthener Award, under the patronage of Christoph Lübcke, …
Read More »
Frankfurt-based Mickie Ojijo examines the political future of Kenya’s veteran opposition leader following his unexpected loss in the race for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government last week. Mr Raila Odinga’s ambition to lead the African Union Commission has officially come to an end, and …
Read More »
The African Union (AU) has elected Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister, as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). The election took place during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held from 15 to 16 February 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Youssouf will be deputized by Selma Malika Haddadi, …
Read More »An upcoming exhibition in Cologne is set to shed light on the often overlooked contributions and experiences of countries of the Global South during World War II. Titled “The Third World in the Second World War” (Die Dritte Welt Im Zweiten Weltkrieg), this expanded showcase will run from 8 March to 1 June 2025 at the NS Documentation Centre of …
Read More »
Germany is set to hold early federal elections on Sunday 23 February, following the collapse of the coalition government formed by the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Free Democrats (FDP) in November 2024. A total of 29 parties have qualified to compete in the election, though only nine will be on the ballot nationwide. These include the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, …
Read More »
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.