Botswana will maintain generally good international relations over the forecast period, benefiting from its reputation for political and economic stability. Botswana severed diplomatic relations with Libya in late February, and the foreign minister, Phandu Skelemani, questioned the African Union's significance as it remained silent during the political turmoil in North Africa. However, the government's continued willingness to speak out against human rights abuses may continue to cause friction with other countries in the region.