Two Ambassadors, Three Integration Commissioners Join 12th African Cultures and Democratic Dialogue in Germany

The two-day conference in Brandenburg brought together diplomatic representatives, government officials, refugees and civil society to discuss migration, democratic participation and  development.

Bad Belzig/Potsdam, Germany, 12 October 2026 – Two African ambassadors and three integration commissioners representing three levels of public administration were among the prominent participants at the 12th African Cultures and Democratic Dialogue (12ACDD), organised by Cagintua e.V. on 8–9 October in Brandenburg, Germany.

The conference, held in Bad Belzig and Potsdam, brought together diplomatic representatives, government officials, refugees, migrant organisations, students and civil society to discuss migration, integration, democratic participation and opportunities for cooperation between Africa and Europe.

Among the distinguished participants were H.E. Annonciata Sendazirasa, Ambassador of Burundi to Germany, and H.E. Senator Ita Enang, OFR, Ambassador of Nigeria to Germany.

The conference also featured three integration commissioners representing State, Local Government (District) and City: Diana González Olivo, Integration Commissioner of the State of Brandenburg; Steffi Randig, Integration Commissioner of Landkreis Potsdam-Mittelmark; and Dr. Amanda Palenberg, Integration Commissioner of the City of Potsdam.

Strong Participation from Public Institutions

Diana González Olivo participated on both days of the conference. On 8 October in Bad Belzig, she officially declared the 12th ACDD open before joining the diplomatic dialogue in Potsdam the following day.

Steffi Randig represented the Landrat of Potsdam-Mittelmark during the opening day’s activities, while Dr. Amanda Palenberg represented the Mayor of Potsdam and delivered a welcome address on the second day.

Another welcome surprise was the attendance of Bad Belzig’s Mayor, Engr. Dr. Robert Pulz, who joined participants on the opening day despite not having previously confirmed his participation.

African Ambassadors Highlight Development and Diaspora Investment

A major highlight of the Potsdam programme was the keynote address by Burundi’s Ambassador, H.E. Annonciata Sendazirasa.

She outlined Burundi’s development vision of becoming an emerging economy by 2040 and a developed country by 2060, emphasising the importance of education, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment and diaspora investment.

The Ambassador encouraged Africans living abroad to contribute to development in their countries of origin through investment, knowledge transfer and institutional partnerships.

Nigeria’s Ambassador, H.E. Senator Ita Enang, OFR, whose attendance also came as a welcome surprise to the organisers, made a substantial contribution to the diplomatic discussion.

He urged participants to consider the wider political and economic factors influencing migration, including international economic relations and instability in parts of Africa.

Referring to the Sahel region, he expressed concern about the continuing economic influence of former colonial powers and its possible implications for regional stability and migration.

The Nigerian diplomat also highlighted investment opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in agriculture, solid minerals, real estate, banking and industrial development. He encouraged diaspora communities to explore opportunities in their countries of origin while emphasising the importance of institutions that protect investments.

Together, the two ambassadors broadened the discussion beyond refugee integration in Europe to include economic development, African self-reliance and international cooperation.

A Cultural Gesture of Respect Draws Attention

A memorable cultural moment occurred during the conference when Obiri Mokini, Chair of Cagintua e.V., greeted Nigeria’s Ambassador, H.E. Senator Ita Enang, OFR, with a traditional Yoruba prostration, a gesture expressing deep respect for elders and distinguished personalities.

The gesture attracted the attention of a Refugee Radio reporter, who asked Mokini to explain its cultural significance.

“In my tradition, we respect our leaders and elders, especially when they are carrying out good reforms. This is a cultural gift to the President of my country, H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary reforms that are laying a solid foundation for Nigeria’s development,” Mokini explained.

The exchange offered participants a glimpse into African traditions of respect and demonstrated how cultural expressions can enrich diplomatic encounters and intercultural dialogue.

Refugees and Young People Share Their Perspectives

Refugees participating in the conference raised concerns about difficulties accessing employment, delays in work authorisation, discrimination and uncertainty surrounding residence status.

Participating refugees questioned why refugees already living in Germany, including qualified professionals, sometimes face obstacles to employment while the country continues to seek skilled workers internationally.

The discussions also highlighted the contribution of migrant organisations to democratic participation and the importance of providing accessible community spaces and opportunities for volunteering.

Representatives of BV NeMO presented their manifesto, Wir sind hier zu Hause – stark in schwierigen Zeiten, calling for stronger recognition and participation of migrant organisations in German society.

The opening day in Bad Belzig featured three students from Fläming-Gymnasium’s Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage initiative.

In a moderated exchange, the students shared their perspectives on equality, integration and democratic participation. Their contribution, alongside activities at the Baum der Gleichheit (Tree of Equality), highlighted the importance of involving young people in building an inclusive society.

Cultural performances, including theatre and dance, complemented the discussions on community participation and intercultural understanding.

Africa Connect Links Communities Across Borders

The conference concluded with an Africa Connect online session involving community development organisations from Ghana, Nigeria and Burundi.

Participants presented vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives supporting women and young people, including tailoring, fashion design and other income-generating activities.

The exchanges highlighted the need to complement vocational training with access to equipment, start-up capital and markets.

Participants also explored possibilities for cooperation between African producers and diaspora communities in Europe, including joint initiatives in fashion, skills development and entrepreneurship.

From Dialogue to Practical Cooperation

The 12th ACDD highlighted the need for closer cooperation between diplomatic missions, public institutions and migrant organisations in addressing migration challenges.

Discussions emphasised the importance of creating employment, vocational training and investment opportunities for young people in African countries, while raising awareness about the risks of travelling without proper documentation.

Cagintua e.V. plans to explore follow-up cooperation with participating institutions and African partners to translate some of the conference discussions into practical initiatives.

Founded in 2007, Cagintua e.V. is a migrant-led non-profit organisation based in Brandenburg, Germany, promoting intercultural dialogue, democratic participation, migrant inclusion and international development cooperation.

Website: www.cagintua.com