Criticism has escalated against former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) following Germany’s failure in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Mokgweetsi Masisi, the former president of Botswana, stated to Bild that Baerbock should have prioritized her work in German diplomacy instead of trying to dictate where Nigerians should build toilets or instructing African nations on how to manage elephants. According to Masisi, focusing domestically would likely have garnered more support from across Africa for Germany’s push for a UNSC position.
Masisi further accused Germany of exhibiting “condescending and disrespectful behaviour” in recent years. He explained that this approach has fundamentally altered and shaped Botswana’s perspective on the country. However, he remarked that relations with Germany feel “better and more confident” now that Baerbock is no longer in her office. When asked how Botswana voted during the confidential UN General Assembly ballot, Masisi simply declined to comment.
