German foreign minister confuses African capitals in Instagram post Photo

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul mistakenly posted a photograph of Nairobi while announcing his arrival in Addis Ababa, confusing the capitals of Kenya and Ethiopia in a social media post during an official visit.

During his visit to Ethiopia, Wadephul shared a photo of a city skyline on Instagram to mark his arrival in Addis Ababa, Africa’s highest capital city, located more than 2,200 metres above sea level, Caliber.Az reports per Bild. 

In the accompanying text, he referred to 120 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Ethiopia and said the country was undergoing rapid change and significant reforms.

The image, however, did not show Addis Ababa. Instead, it depicted Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, with the Britam Tower — the tallest building in Nairobi — clearly visible in the skyline.

The German Foreign Ministry did not provide a detailed explanation when asked how the confusion between the two African capitals occurred. The post was later edited, with the incorrect image replaced by a photograph taken in Addis Ababa and the caption adjusted accordingly.

By Sabina Mammadli