Overview

• 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.