The Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6 could become an event for history. This is because the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party may for the first time become the strongest party in one of the German states. The Alternative Party currently leads in the polls in this state by more than 40 percent, far ahead of the center-right Christian Democrats party led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as it only received about 24 percent in the polls.
The Alternative for Germany party calls for a strict immigration policy, focusing on sharply reducing immigration numbers, expanding deportations, and promoting what is known as “re-immigration,” while at the same time emphasizing Germany’s national sovereignty, cultural identity, and traditional family values.
Therefore, for many people of immigrant origins, these elections are considered more than just a decision to determine political direction. For example, Mundau, a woman from Gambia (we changed her name to protect her), is afraid of the consequences of the upcoming elections. She warns that the current prevailing mood in Saxony-Anhalt “leads to more racism,” and at the same time says: “I believe in a society without borders, in which no one has to flee for fear of their existence.” She adds that she has no intention of leaving Saxony-Anhalt regardless of the election result, “even if there has to be a backup plan.”
Awit Tesfaesus, a Green Party lawmaker from the German Bundestag who was born in Eritrea, says she understands Mondau's concerns. This election "is not just a normal election for black people and others who experience racism," she wrote in response to a DW inquiry. She added: “When racist and ethno-nationalist attitudes become stronger, for them it is particularly about the question: How safe do I feel here, and will I be recognized as a normal part of this community?”
Karamba Diaby knows these fears. A former German Social Democratic Party lawmaker, who was born in Senegal and has lived for decades in Saxony-Anhalt, he spoke to DW about increasing feelings of anxiety and insecurity. He says: "When I am in classes or moving among immigrant associations, I often hear, especially from young people, this question: Can we stay in this country?" The answer is clear for Diaby: “You can definitely stay here. I am against pessimism and saying that I will leave my mandate if such a majority comes to power. This will be the last thing we can do.”
In conversations and discussions about the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the name of the AfD is mentioned more than any other party. The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt is classified by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a confirmed far-right extremist. The AfD calls for a "deportation and re-migration campaign", but does not clearly define the term "re-migration". The term is politically controversial, and is generally linked to proposals aimed at encouraging the departure of certain categories of immigrants and foreigners, as well as the deportation of people without legal residence permits.
In the Alternative Party's electoral platform, the term "re-immigration" is not only used in relation to immigrants; It also proposes establishing a program to encourage German skilled workers who have emigrated abroad to return to Germany. This causes many of those affected to feel anxious and insecure. In a report by MDR channel, Betoul Nayouf, from the Network of Migrant Organizations in Saxony-Anhalt (LAMSA), described the situation in the state by saying: “We are sitting on ready suitcases.”
But Amidou Traoré does not agree with this opinion. Mr. Traoré, an integration consultant and local politician (from the Social Democratic Party) originally from Ivory Coast who lives in Magdeburg, told DW that he is "completely calm. Everyone knows that the AfD calls for hatred and incitement, and those who oppose that, like me, are trying to remain calm."
Like Traoré and Diaby, many members of the African community are actively involved in Saxony-Anhalt. They see clubs, societies, companies, church departments as well as local parliaments as an opportunity to make their interests more visible. Their topics of interest include work, education and the debate on immigration. Many of these areas directly overlap with each other. The issue of equal opportunities plays a role in the educational system just as it does in dealing with diversity in society.
All of these reasons make Traore appear in a fighting spirit. He says, "A strong democracy does not need politics that raise conflicts between people. Rather, it needs solutions for all citizens, regardless of origin, religion or social backgrounds. This means that we are here to participate in shaping life, with respect, human dignity and equality. If a party tries to destroy that, then it is time for us to fight back and say that we are also part of this country."
The percentage of foreigners in Saxony-Anhalt is 7.9 percent, which is much lower than the average percentage of foreigners throughout Germany. At the end of 2025, about 193,000 people with foreign nationalities lived in the state, including about 10 percent from African countries. Over the past 10 years, the number of people with international backgrounds has nearly doubled. Today, international students, nurses, scientists, and businessmen contribute to the development of the state's economy in several sectors.
The Green Party representative, Tesfaisos, confirmed in her statement to DW that "Black-skinned people and those with immigrant origins are considered part of this country. Their rights and safety are not up for discussion." However, many people of black and African origin speak of being subjected to discrimination in their daily lives. The African Census, a study of the reality of black life in Germany, shows that experiences of racism are part of everyday life for many, whether in government departments, educational institutions or public spaces.
For people like Karamba Diaby, Awit Tesfaesos and Amedou Traoré, it is certain: the future of the state will not be determined by the results of the elections alone, but will be determined by the people who remain in it, participate and bear responsibility. And this too, even after a possible victory for the AfD. Traore asserts that "these elections are important and decisive. We must cast our votes. If the AfD wins, it will have deserved it. Then we will see how life will be shaped in Saxony-Anhalt. But we must avoid that."
Former Member of the German Parliament Karamba Diaby calls on members of the Afro-German community and immigrants not to retreat out of fear, but to cast their votes in the elections. "This matters to all of us," he says. "It is not just the responsibility of politicians. It concerns you, your children, and your children's future. Stay here and go vote."
