How does the German election result affect African migrants? – DW – 25.02.2025

Many Africans living in Germany were excited about the result of the German elections after migration became an important campaign problem. Many feared that a victory for the right -wing extremist alternative for Germany (AfD) would have led to mass shifts.

Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the Central Rights Christian Democratic Allianz (CDU/CSU), who wants to become a German Chancellor after his party's victory, has also taken up a tough migration.

Merz promised a “fundamental” revision of asylum rules and permanent border control last month after two people, including a 2-year-old boy, stung in the German city of Aschaffenburg. The suspect, a 28-year-old Afghan, was already subject to a deportation order.

The CDU/CSU achieved around 29% of the votes, while the AfD reached 20.8% – the party's previous result at federal level. While the AfD is held from the coalition talks from the coalition talks, the increase affected some Africans to support the party.

“I feared that the AfD became second for a variety of reasons,” Victoria Agbai, a Ghanaian businesswoman who lived and worked in Germany told DW. “The AfD was very strong in its opposition to immigrants and all of this. There is a story of increasing nationalism,” she told DW.

Should African immigrants still worry?

Some analysts say the result of the choice should put an end to the fear of the Africans.

“I think that the choice of … The right -wing extremist party has set a reasonable extent. Germany has shown that European countries actually can actually [roll] Back of this wave, “said Dr. Oluwole Ojewale, a foreign policy analyst, to DW.

Germany has reformed its migration law to make it easier for qualified African employees to hike to Germany, and Berlin has started an initiative to promote irregular Ghanaian migrants to return. It has now been supported by the European Union. A consulting center has helped over 5,000 Ghanaian migrants to return to their homeland.

Samuel Ackom, a Corperate worker Accra based in the capital Ghana, who plans to travel to Germany, told DW that he was concerned about the opportunities that are slimmer this time.

“I noticed some profound statements. In terms of immigration [Germany] I will actually freeze immigration, and that will definitely influence people in Africa who want to travel to Germany, “said Ackom.

Johnstone Kpilaakaa from Nigeria shared Ackom's concerns. “With regard to [the] When I tighten the borders of Germany, I have concerns that it could affect migration to the country. Many Nigerians travel to Germany for education or work. The stricter border control could make it difficult for them to do this, “he said to DW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8ai1rqbfcs

The Africans did not panic in panic

Ojewale said that Merz 'tough attitude to tighten German borders is aimed at irregular migrants, so that the Africans should not panic.

“This is Angela Merkel's party and to a reasonable extent of what we have seen before, [it] Is a globalist party, so I think that Africa has nothing to fear in relation to its foreign policy in Germany. I think it will be Germany that is open to business and in cooperation with African countries, ”said Ojewale.

Ojewal, however, suggested that many undocumented Africans would have to search for new destinations in Europe for the new German government.

“Most countries [including Germany] Clamps only against illegal migrants. Regardless of whether you are Africans or asians come from part of the world, I think no reasonable country wants to get an influx of migrants without papers at their limits, ”he said.

Germany has close relationships with Africa who aim to strengthen Africa's economy, offer security support and to promote good government.

The German Development Agency GIZ has carried out several projects on the continent, which is aimed at social groups in need of protection and conveys careful skills for the young population of Africa.

Young Africans like Jew Duncan in Accra hope that this support would remain under a new German government.

“From the beginning it is clear that there is not much space for African leaders in terms of help and grants. [Africa]It is clear [shows] This considerable amount of help is given to us, ”he said.

Although Duncan fears that his country, Ghana, would have to find the opportunity to finance.

“For African leaders, it is important to choose to work together and put together local solutions to influence the life of the Africans on the continent,” he said.

Qoseem Suleiman in Abuja, Nigeria, DW said that despite some concern, he still expects the continuation of German support in Africa.

“I expect a good relationship. I expect the relationship between Nigeria and Germany to continue.” He said.

Germany's qualified lack of work

Kpilaakaa said that Germany's strong economic prospects and plans to increase its qualified lack of work would provide an opening for the young population of Africa.

“It is worth noting that Germany has a strong economy and a lack of specialists in certain areas. I hope that it would continue to welcome talented and qualified people from Nigeria and other countries,” he said.

Friedrich Merz's conservative block is now against coalition talks. Merz is interested in going to work immediately to secure a coalition to form a new government.

Ojewale says that Africa still has to wait to see the new direction from Germany, but expected some changes in politics to Africa.

“There will definitely be some changes in Germany's foreign policy. Like the questions that Africa now affects like the Sudankonflict, such as the war in the Congo, in which we are constantly looking for solutions,” he said.

Agbai also expects guidelines from the new German government, which would promote trade between Africa and Germany.

“Ghana depends very much on the export to the EU to maintain the survival of the economy. And we as an export company observe exactly,” she said.

Published by: Keith Walker