Germany

Aid Reevaluation: Germany's Decisive Step on Rwanda It can be a daunting task when a nation grapples with the complexities of international aid amidst conflict. Who could have thought that Germany, a key player in global development, would find itself reassessing its relationship with Rwanda, a country in the heart of Africa? On a Tuesday that promised to deliver headlines around the world, an announcement was made by the German development ministry. They’ve taken a bold step—suspending…

In the heart of Quedlinburg, the town square bustles with life as both visitors and locals seek refuge in the weak winter sunlight. Elbow-to-elbow at the outdoor lunch tables, they absorb the rays, a meager source of warmth against the crispness of the season. The setting is picturesque, with UNESCO-recognized half-timbered houses that whisper tales from the 10th and 11th centuries, creating a tableau that feels almost frozen in time. Here, in 919, King Henry the Fowler received his crown, marking Quedlinburg as the esteemed…

The UK has taken decisive action, imposing a ban on cattle, pigs, and sheep imports from Germany in a vital effort to curb the potential spread of foot-and-mouth disease. Last Friday sent ripples of concern through the agriculture community as German authorities confirmed the first outbreak of this notorious disease in nearly four decades. The culprits? A herd of water buffalo nestled on the fringes of Berlin. Who would have thought such a devastating twist could emerge from a bustling capital? For those unacquainted with…

Authorities in Germany have officially reported the country's first case of foot-and-mouth disease in almost four decades, discovered in a herd of water buffalo just outside Berlin. This disease, known scientifically as a viral infection, primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and goats. Symptoms include high fever and painful blisters in the mouth, causing considerable distress to the animals. To combat this highly contagious illness, which doesn’t directly harm humans but can be transmitted…

In a blitz of breathtaking football, Tim Kleindienst and Florian Wirtz each notched a brace as Germany obliterated Bosnia and Herzegovina with a crushing 7-0 victory on Saturday, clinching the top spot in Group A3.The Germans sprang to life early in their final home fixture of the year, hinting at a sizzling encounter with Joshua Kimmich delivering a pinpoint cross that Jamal Musiala expertly nodded into the net’s right corner, setting the stage for a commanding performance.The home team took control of the game, hemming in…

In the heart of Frankfurt, a sea of placards emerged, screaming messages in both German and English. A particularly poignant one pleaded, “Stop Amhara Genocide!” Meanwhile, similar scenes unfurled across the Atlantic, where protests percolated through the streets of North America. Calgary, ordinarily a bastion of calm, was overtaken by thousands rallying against the carnage in Ethiopia's Amhara region. A cacophony of voices pierced the air in Washington, D.C., while Seattle echoed with demands for peace. The sheer scale…

Somalia has voiced its concerns to Germany over the idea of "compulsory" deportation of Somali nationals.On a Wednesday visit, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had a sit-down with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The main agenda? They chatted about teaming up on handling the return of Somali migrants from Germany.Posting to X, Farhan Mohamed Jimale, who speaks for the Somali government, shared that President Mohamud emphasized to Chancellor Scholz that forced repatriation isn't the way forward for Somalis in…

This year, Germany celebrates a significant milestone—the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Under the spirited theme "Preserve Freedom!", celebrations commenced today, resonating deeply against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns that democracy itself is under siege. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, navigating a turbulent week as his coalition faced a dramatic collapse, released a heartfelt message addressing the nation. He reflected, "The liberal ideals of 1989 are not to be…

MOGADISHU/BERLIN - In a recent development, Somalia has agreed to bring back 20 of its citizens who ran afoul of the law in Germany, facing grave charges like murder and sexual assault. This decision emerged from powwows between the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, underscoring that the repatriation is not a dig at the larger Somali refugee family in Germany. Somalia's state minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, in a chat with VOA Somali, stressed that these folks have…

FILE - At a government assembly in Mogadishu, Somali Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Omar Ali Balcad voices significant national subjects.In a recent announcement, the Somali government cleared the air about the imminent return of a small group of Somali citizens from Germany. These individuals, having been found guilty of severe crimes, are scheduled for repatriation soon, thus sparking conversation about whether this might impact the larger Somali refugee community residing in Germany. Shedding light on the matter, Deputy…