GERMANY — Weeks after revealing he was the target of racist abuse and death threats, Germany’s first African-born MP in the German parliament announced that he will not vie for election next year.
Karamba Diaby, 62, an immigrant from Senegal who entered the Bundestag in 2013, made the surprising announcement on Wednesday, adding that he wanted to spend more time with his family and create an opportunity for younger politicians. Diaby, who has a PhD in Chemistry, moved to East Germany in 1985. His historic election in 2013 was applauded around the world.
But last month, Diaby shared details on his Instagram account about the onslaught of hate messages he and his staff received since his election, which he said have become more frequent and violent in recent years. His constituency office in Halle, Saxony Anhalt, has been shot at, and the target of arson.
However, Diaby also said the hate mail and death threats were “not the main reasons” he would not contend for election next year, The Guardian reported.
Diaby, who is a Social Democrat, has previously shared the hostility he has experienced, and pointed the finger at the far-right populist AfD entry to the Bundestag.
Diaby was one of the first two Black MP’s to enter parliament in 2013, joining the Bundestag alongside Charles M. Huber, who represented the Christian Democrats for a single term.
More on the racist abuse and Diaby’s decision not to stand for election in 2015.
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