Africans react with solidarity following Berlin 'attack'
December 20, 2016
After DW posted information about a suspected terror attack on a Christmas market in Berlin, African fans of DW began sending in their words of shock, encouragement, solidarity and support. What follows is a selection of comments from DW's various African language social media pages.
Most of the comments on DW's Kiswahili Facebook page offered words of support.
"My condolences to the German citizens in the city of Berlin for the attack at the market resulting in the deaths of several people," wrote one user.
"Police should take concrete steps to reassure citizens that Christmas is celebrated peacefully," wrote another.
Other comments have drawn a clear link between the attack and German Chancellor Angela Merkel's policy towards migrants. In 2015 some 900,000 people entered Germany and applied for asylum. The country has since has tightened up its borders and regulations for migrants.
"You welcome refugees with affection - especially Chancellor Merkel - without being cautious. But the refugees have no goodwill," wrote another user.
Muhammad Sulei Garin Rijiya from Nigeria condemned the attack on DW's Hausa-language Facebook page.
"It's appalling and regrettable that a truck rammed into a Christmas market in Berlin. Our condolences to all the victims and we wish the injured persons a speedy recovery," he wrote.
Another Nigerian, Aminu Bako Gumel, expressed his support for the victims.
"We are with you. May Allah give us lasting peace in the whole world," he wrote.
On the DW French-language Facebook page, Aline Alinee Bwindja from South Kivu in the DR Congo asked why such actions would happen in Germany.
"How can such a thing happen in such a welcoming country," she asked.
Sekou Samake from Mali linked the attack to Germany's acceptance of refugees.
"Nothing can justify this barbaric act. Germany is a victim of its own sympathies for refugees," he wrote.
Baba Sako from Conakry, Guinea did not think that Germany deserved this attack and wrote that "Germany likes refugees."
Shakir Dehustler summed up most of the comments on Facebook writing to offer her deepest sympathies.
"Germany people have been kind to Muslims. Come on my Muslim brothers and sisters, Germany is your home so now protect it please," she wrote.