Allexer Namundjembo
Renewed calls for the former Caprivi Region to break away from Namibia reflect the revival of an old issue that was never fully addressed through sustained and inclusive dialogue, political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah says.
Kamwanyah made the remarks as demonstrations linked to the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) secession agenda, alongside counter-protests by residents, continued in Katima Mulilo.
Similar demands surfaced in the late 1990s and were firmly rejected by the government.
“Similar demands were made in the late 1990s and were firmly rejected by the state,” Kamwanyah said.
The Constitution defines Namibia as a unitary, sovereign and indivisible state and makes no provision for secession.
Kamwanyah said the current protests do not show broad public support but rather signal the resurfacing of unresolved historical grievances.
He noted that many of the frustrations in the Zambezi Region relate to socio-economic challenges, including perceived neglect, poverty, unemployment and slow development.
He said these concerns are legitimate but warned that secession would not address them.
A counterprotest held in Katima Mulilo by residents opposing the UDP’s agenda suggests that many people in the region prioritise peace, unity and stability.
“It is also possible that a small group of individuals or interests are driving these calls. This can include political figures seeking attention, people with unresolved personal or historical grievances, or groups using public frustration to gain influence. Social media and emotional language can amplify these messages, even if they do not represent the majority view,” Kamwanyah said.
The UDP’s current campaign draws from earlier efforts to detach the Caprivi Strip from Namibia.
Groups such as the Caprivi Concerned Group previously pushed for boycotts and referenda on the region’s status, but these efforts faced strong opposition from government and traditional authorities.
An armed secession attempt by the Caprivi Liberation Army in August 1999, linked to the then UDP leadership, led to violence and the long-running Caprivi treason trial.
Affirmative Repositioning Zambezi regional head of secretariat Lulungwe Mutafela issued a statement reaffirming that the Zambezi Region is an “integral and inseparable part of the Republic of Namibia”, as protected under Articles 1 and 4 of the Constitution.
Mutafela warned that repeated secessionist protests risk slowing development and discouraging investment if they continue outside lawful and constructive engagement.
He also noted that, despite the UDP’s claims that the region does not belong to Namibia, its supporters continue to enjoy full social, economic, and political rights as Namibian citizens.
“Failure to address these questions risks fostering a belief among residents that they are being treated as second-class citizens,” Mutafela said. He called on the government to establish a lawful platform for dialogue with UDP leaders, not to legitimise secession, but to resolve long-standing issues.
The UDP’s demands include independence for the region, the removal of military presence, the release of what it terms political prisoners, and the return of exiled former leader Mishake Muyongo.
On Monday, concerned residents staged a peaceful protest in Katima Mulilo, calling on authorities to stop a planned UDP gathering scheduled for Wednesday.
Leaders from the traditional Mafwe, Masubia, Mashi, and Mayeyi authorities attended the protest and warned that such a rally could threaten peace and stability.
Community activist Dobson Kwaka read a petition on behalf of the demonstrators.
He warned that failure by law enforcement to intervene could push residents to take action themselves, risking development efforts tied to education, employment, infrastructure and social services.
Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi received the petition and said she would forward it to central government, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and unity.
Attempts to obtain comment from the Presidency were unsuccessful. Press Secretary Jonas Mbambo did not respond to questions sent to him via WhatsApp yesterday.
In September, banned UDP members staged a protest in Katima Mulilo demanding independence for the Zambezi Region and the release of political prisoners.
The group handed a petition to Kabula-Simushi, urging President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to address what it described as unresolved political issues.
The petition was read by Leonard Malesu, who said the party maintained that the Zambezi Region was not part of Namibia and demanded independence, the unconditional release of ‘Caprivi’ political prisoners and the return of exiles.
“We demanded the immediate implementation of the merger agreement of 5 November 1964 between SWAPO and the UDP. We demanded that the United Nations organise a referendum on the Caprivi Strip,” Malesu said.
For more than two decades, UDP and Caprivi Concerned Group members have staged demonstrations seeking dialogue with the government and intervention from the international community. After a protest in June, Muyongo said he had not abandoned the goal of ‘freeing’ the region from Namibia.
“My life has been about the Caprivi Strip, in and out, day and night. I have debated within myself how to get the Caprivi Strip free and independent peacefully,” Muyongo said at the time. He also urged President Nandi-Ndaitwah to address the issue during her term.
Former executive director of information and communication technology Audrin Mathe told The Namibian in June that the government’s position on territorial integrity remained unchanged, and he warned that attempts to destabilise peace and stability were punishable by law.
“The Zambezi Region remains an integral part of the country’s sovereign territory. The UDP’s demands for military withdrawal, prisoner releases, and the implementation of spurious historical agreements lack both legal foundation and constitutional validity,” Mathe said.
Police maintained a visible presence during the demonstrations.
Katima Mulilo Police Station commander Charles Mayumbelo said the gatherings complied with the Public Gatherings Proclamation of 1989.
“Furthermore, we cautioned them that just like they have rights and want them respected, they should ensure they did not encroach on other citizens’ rights. Additionally, we cautioned them not to carry pamphlets with hate speech or which could incite violence. They should not damage government or private property during or after the demonstration either,” Mayumbelo said.
He said demonstrators complied with all conditions set by the police.
