In the world of international politics, 2025 has already proven to be a year of significant transformations. As Europe navigates new political alignments, Africa grapples with long-standing conflicts that continue to impact millions. Over the past 24 hours, two events have captured the attention of the global political stage: the formation of a new coalition government in Germany and an upcoming high-level conference aimed at resolving Sudan’s brutal civil war. These developments not only reflect the ever-shifting political dynamics within countries but also underscore the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex crises.
In Germany, the creation of a new governing coalition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s political and economic future. Meanwhile, in Sudan, an international effort to bring about peace amidst the ongoing civil war signals a critical juncture in the country’s battle for stability. Both events present opportunities for significant change, but also pose immense challenges for the political leaders involved. The outcomes of these developments will undoubtedly influence both regional stability and broader global political trends in the months to come.
After months of tense negotiations, Germany’s political landscape has shifted as the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), its Bavarian counterpart the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) have come together to form a new coalition government. This political agreement follows the federal election held on February 23, 2025, where the CDU/CSU alliance emerged as the largest faction, securing 28.5% of the vote. Despite this victory, the party was unable to command an outright majority, prompting the need for extensive coalition talks. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which garnered a record 20.8% of the vote, was excluded from the coalition due to its controversial stances on key issues such as immigration and EU integration.
The new coalition, dubbed “Responsibility for Germany,” is set to usher in major policy changes. Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, is slated to become Chancellor, heading a government that aims to address Germany’s most pressing economic, defense, and social challenges. One of the coalition’s central proposals is a gradual reduction in corporate tax rates, set to begin in 2028. This initiative seeks to boost investment and make Germany a more attractive destination for international businesses. In addition to corporate tax relief, the coalition has pledged to offer tax cuts for middle- and low-income households, aiming to tackle income inequality and provide greater financial support to working-class Germans.
In addition to its economic agenda, the new government has put forward stringent reforms on immigration. The coalition plans to expand the list of “safe countries of origin,” including nations such as Algeria, India, Morocco, and Tunisia. This move will allow Germany to expedite the asylum process for refugees from these countries, reducing the influx of asylum seekers and easing public concerns about immigration. The government also aims to limit family reunification for refugees with temporary protection status and speed up the deportation of individuals convicted of serious crimes. These policies reflect a broader shift in German immigration policy, responding to growing concerns about integration and the economic burden posed by large refugee populations.
The new government has also committed to investing €1 trillion in infrastructure over the next decade, with €500 billion allocated to climate-related projects. These funds will be used to upgrade Germany’s transportation networks, promote green energy, and drive the digital transformation of the economy. Additionally, the coalition has pledged to increase defense spending, aiming to meet NATO’s target of spending more than 1% of GDP on defense. This policy reflects Germany’s evolving role in European and global security, underscoring its commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation.
Despite these ambitious reforms, the coalition faces significant obstacles. Public skepticism about the government’s ability to implement these policies, especially with the rise of the far-right AfD, looms large. The growing influence of the AfD, particularly in eastern Germany, signals a shift in public sentiment toward nationalism and skepticism about immigration and European integration. The new government’s ability to unite a fractured electorate and manage tensions within the coalition will be critical in determining its political success and longevity.
While Europe faces internal political challenges, Africa continues to struggle with violent conflicts that have far-reaching humanitarian consequences. One such conflict is Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which has caused widespread suffering for more than two years. Beginning in April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated into a full-blown civil war, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and displacing millions. The international community has watched with growing concern as the violence has devastated Sudanese society, with many civilians enduring extreme hardship, including food shortages, lack of medical care, and displacement.
In response to this crisis, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are co-hosting a high-level conference on April 15, 2025, in London, aimed at bringing the conflict to an end. The conference will include foreign ministers from nearly 20 countries and international organizations, including the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union. However, representatives from the warring Sudanese factions, the SAF and the RSF, will not be invited to the talks due to their refusal to engage in peace negotiations. This decision has sparked criticism from Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef, who argues that the exclusion of Sudanese officials undermines the country’s sovereignty and ability to represent its own interests in the peace process.
The conference will focus on several key issues, including the immediate need for a ceasefire, the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a framework for long-term peace. The international community is also pressing for accountability for war crimes committed by both the SAF and the RSF. Both sides have been accused of perpetrating atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers. The role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating and prosecuting these crimes will be a central topic of discussion, as will the possibility of establishing a transitional justice system to ensure that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable.
In addition to addressing these immediate concerns, the conference will also focus on how to rebuild Sudan in the wake of the conflict. This includes facilitating the return of refugees and displaced persons, as well as providing long-term support for the country’s reconstruction. The international community has pledged to provide financial and technical assistance to Sudan, but the success of these efforts will depend on the willingness of Sudan’s warring factions to agree to a lasting peace. Without the participation of key Sudanese stakeholders, the risk remains that any peace agreement will lack legitimacy and may ultimately fail to bring about a durable solution to the conflict.
The political developments in Germany and Sudan illustrate the broad scope of challenges that governments and international institutions face in the contemporary world. Germany’s new coalition government has the potential to bring about significant reforms in the country’s economy, migration policy, and defense strategy. However, it must navigate rising populism and manage public discontent to achieve its policy goals. In Sudan, the international community is working to address a devastating conflict that has displaced millions and caused untold suffering. The upcoming conference in London offers a glimmer of hope, but its success will depend on the commitment of all parties to engage in genuine peace talks.
These developments highlight the interconnectedness of global politics and the need for cooperation among countries to tackle complex international issues. As Germany embarks on a new political chapter and Sudan looks toward a potential peace settlement, the world will be watching closely to see how these events unfold and what their broader implications will be for regional and global stability.
