Germany’s first black African-born member of parliament, Karamba Diaby, has announced that he will not seek re-election in next year’s federal election. The decision comes weeks after he disclosed the extensive hate mail, including racist slurs and death threats, that he and his staff have received.
Diaby, 62, who made history when he entered the Bundestag in 2013, cited a desire to spend more time with his family and to create opportunities for younger politicians as reasons for his decision. However, the hostile environment he has faced is believed to have significantly influenced his choice.
In recent interviews, Diaby has highlighted the increasingly hostile atmosphere in both parliament and society, particularly following the entry of the far-right populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) into the Bundestag in 2017. “Since 2017, the tone in the German parliament has become harsher,” he remarked on the Berlin Playbook podcast by Politico. He noted the aggressive speeches from AfD colleagues and the derogatory and hurtful content in their contributions, which he believes have contributed to violence and aggression on the streets.
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Diaby, a member of the Social Democrats (SPD), entered parliament alongside Charles M. Huber, who represented the Christian Democrats for one term. Their entry was celebrated as a groundbreaking moment for equal rights campaigners. Born in Senegal, Diaby moved to East Germany in 1985 and holds a PhD in chemistry. Despite his achievements, he has faced increasing racist abuse in recent years. His constituency office in Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, has been targeted with arson and bullets fired through its window. Some of his staff have been blackmailed and subjected to threats and abuse.
“In the last few years I’ve faced several murder threats. This has now overstepped the mark,” Diaby stated. He attributed this increase in threats to the AfD’s “misanthropic narratives,” which he believes are breeding grounds for violence and aggression, endangering societal cohesion.
Despite his decision to step down, Diaby has promised to remain active within the SPD, particularly in the lead-up to the next election. In a letter to party colleagues, he emphasized the significant challenges ahead and expressed his commitment to continuing his work for the party. At the same time, he looks forward to spending more time with his family and friends and enjoying his allotment.
Diaby’s departure underscores the challenges faced by minority politicians in an increasingly polarized political environment, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat racism and promote inclusivity in politics and society.
