Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has announced plans to process 20,000 elephants into meat, following a dispute with Germany over the importation of hunting trophies.

The dispute began in April when President Masisi offered to send 20,000 elephants to Germany, but received no response from the federal government. Botswana is currently experiencing its worst drought in 50 years, leaving its people struggling to find food.

“Our people are starving, and the elephants are in danger of dying,” President Masisi said in an interview with the “Bild” newspaper. “If our people are starving, we have a duty to feed them. And I can tell you openly: they eat elephants too.”

The debate surrounding the importation of hunting trophies has been ongoing, with Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) supporting further restrictions. This has drawn criticism from representatives of African countries, particularly Botswana, which fears significant financial losses.

The proposed slaughter of the elephants has raised concerns about the welfare of the animals and the potential impact on Botswana’s ecosystem. The situation remains unresolved, with President Masisi leaving open the possibility of when the slaughter may begin.