With the government recalling ambassadors who were previously appointed on the basis of political power-sharing among parties, leadership positions in 17 important diplomatic missions have become vacant. Nepal currently has no ambassadors in key countries such as neighboring India and China, as well as important partner nations including the United States, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Russia. Including three United Nations missions, ambassadors from the foreign service are currently serving in 17 missions.
At present, there are legal complications in appointing ambassadors to Spain and Germany, but for the remaining 15 countries, recommendations for appointments need to be made immediately. Now, the question arises: what kind of individuals should be appointed as ambassadors? Public debate and internal government discussions have likely already begun on this issue.
According to the recent practice adopted by the Government of Nepal, half of the ambassadors are appointed from the foreign service and the other half from outside it. If this practice is followed, it may require appointing 17 ambassadors from outside the foreign service. However, if the government intends to establish a new standard and consider global practices, it would be more appropriate to appoint most ambassadors from within the foreign service. Appointing ambassadors based on the qualifications and competence of joint secretaries in the foreign service would send a message that Nepal seeks stability in its diplomacy. Just as an electoral mandate ensures political stability, a strong government should also ensure stability in the diplomatic sphere.
If appointments are to be made from outside the foreign service, suitable candidates could include individuals working in universities in Nepal who are not affiliated with political parties. Likewise, those who have been engaged in research and run think tanks within the country could also be appropriate choices. Ultimately, this decision lies with the government.
The government must seriously reflect on the legacy of sending political workers abroad as ambassadors as a form of reward. Such mistakes should not be repeated in the future.
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