According to Masisi, Germans ought to “live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to,” reported the German daily Bild.
Masisi, whose nation has seen an increase in elephant population to almost 130,000, declared, “This is not a joke.”
As part of its efforts to address “overpopulation,” Masisi stated that Botswana had already offered 8,000 elephants to Angola and an additional 500 to Mozambique.
Masisi stated, “We would like to offer such a gift to Germany,” and he would “not take no for an answer.”
The African leader contended that hunting is a crucial tool for controlling elephant populations, as their numbers have skyrocketed as a result of conservation initiatives.
He told the German paper that the elephant herds were trampling people, consuming crops, and causing property damage.
Because of worries over poaching, Germany’s environment minister suggested earlier this year that there should be stronger restrictions on the entry of hunting trophies.
Masisi asserted that a restriction on the importation of hunting trophies would only cause poverty among Botswanans.
In 2014, trophy hunting was outlawed in Botswana; however, in response to local community demand, the ban was overturned in 2019.
The nation currently sets yearly limits on hunting.
According to a spokesman for the Berlin environment ministry, Botswana has not brought up the issue with Germany.
Nonetheless, the ministry continued to hold discussions with African nations impacted by import regulations, such as Botswana.
“In light of the alarming loss of biological diversity, we have a special responsibility to do everything to ensure the import of hunting trophies is sustainable and legal,” she added.
According to her, Germany is among the EU’s top buyers of hunting trophies.
She stated that current regulations already need import authorization for trophies from African elephant hunting.
She stated that the expansion of the list of protected species is the main topic of discussion within the EU regarding stricter import regulations.
