German Officials Assess 2021 Afghanistan Evacuation and Development Efforts

Former ministers defend actions during chaotic withdrawal, highlighting achievements and addressing criticism in Bundestag inquiry.

Former Development Minister Gerd Müller described the evacuation of Afghan local staff in 2021 as a success, citing no fatalities or imprisonments among those involved in German development cooperation.
Müller emphasized the long-term value of German aid efforts in Afghanistan, including education initiatives, school construction, and the renovation of 35 hospitals.
Former Foreign Minister Heiko Maas attributed the chaotic withdrawal to the U.S. decision to unilaterally negotiate with the Taliban and withdraw troops without coordinating with allies or the Afghan government.
Critics in the Bundestag inquiry pointed to delayed responses and inadequate planning by German ministries, with some alleging the government ignored early warnings of deteriorating security conditions.
Germany's post-evacuation resettlement program for at-risk Afghans has faced significant challenges, with far fewer individuals relocated than initially promised.