Brot für die Welt, Misereor and Welthungerhilfe advocate for development cooperation remaining part of a separate ministry. During the current election campaign, various members of parliament proposed integrating the BMZ into other areas such as the Federal Foreign Office. The organisations therefore welcome the clear commitment of many politicians in favour of an independent ministry for international cooperation. "The many crises in the world and the USA's immediate freeze on payments for development projects need a strong response. This is only possible with an independent ministry," says Dagmar Pruin, President of Bread for the World. "Development cooperation must not become an appendage of foreign policy, but must have its own seat at the cabinet table."
"Development cooperation protects global resources, combats inequalities and strengthens peace through international understanding. It is crucial for a sustainable and just future in an interconnected world. International cooperation is therefore an important element for a policy for the future and therefore needs a strong voice in the future government. Withdrawing from international responsibility weakens Germany and is not a viable option for the future," emphasises Marlehn Thieme, President of Welthungerhilfe.
The new Africa policy guidelines recently adopted by the German government also show the need for independent development cooperation. "The guidelines confirm that partnership-based cooperation with Africa is not only in our common economic and security interests. It is also about safeguarding fundamental human rights and human dignity. International development cooperation with a special focus on poor and disadvantaged people must make an independent contribution to this. This is why development cooperation should be strengthened, especially in view of the major challenges, and not be appropriated by foreign policy," demands Bernd Bornhorst, Managing Director of Misereor.
African civil society representatives are positive about the updated guidelines and the German government's modernised view of partnership-based cooperation. At the same time, they are calling for action. "The 2025 Guidelines represent a significant shift in approach and demonstrate Germany's commitment to a more equitable partnership with African countries that goes beyond traditional aid relations and is geared towards mutual growth and development opportunities. However, given the complex circumstances in the various African regions and countries, the reality is far from the intention," explains Laura Anyola from the Justice and Peace Commission in Cameroon, a Misereor partner organisation.
