Highlighting specific instances that illustrate the success of integration and multicultural harmony can be challenging and risky. A recent incident in Germany has brought this complexity into sharp focus: the case of Moise Lohombo.
In 2017, Lohombo was showcased as an emblem of successful integration, demonstrating that it is achievable regardless of one’s background or how they arrived in the country. The German newspaper Deutsche Handwerkszeitung reported on this young man from Congo who arrived in Germany at the age of 8, fleeing a violent environment. He managed to rebuild his life, starting as an apprentice baker and training to become a professional boxer.
The article painted Lohombo as a friendly and charismatic individual, proudly displaying photos of his bull terrier, Betty, on his phone. It detailed his journey through “ups and downs” and how he had “fought hard to move forward,” overcoming his “youthful indiscretions.”
Recent developments
However, recent developments have marred this positive portrayal. According to the German news outlet Nuis, Moise Lohombo, now 30 years old, has been convicted by a court in Wiesbaden for assaulting and raping his own mother. Having recently been released from prison for drug trafficking charges, Lohombo returned to the apartment he shared with his mother, who is only 12 years older than him. He threatened her with a knife before assaulting and repeatedly hitting her.
Remarkably, the mother survived after being treated for a severe brain hemorrhage. She also suffered psychological trauma and feared she might be pregnant by her son. The court found Lohombo guilty and denied the request to place him in a psychiatric facility.
Recent German government statistics reveal that 41% of crime suspects are foreigners, even though they make up a smaller portion of the population. The increase in violent crimes, particularly knife attacks and rapes, has coincided with the rise in illegal immigration.
A recent survey indicated that seven out of ten citizens in European countries believe there is excessive uncontrolled immigration, with 77% of Germans holding this view.
