Allexer Namundjebo
Zambezi regional governor Dorothy Kabula on Wednesday refused to accept a petition calling for the secession of the Zambezi region after a protest by a group linked to the banned United Democratic Party (UDP).
The protesters attempted to hand over the petition following a demonstration held in the region.
Kabula said on Wednesday that she was not prepared to receive it, citing her right as governor to decline.
“I’m ready to not receive any petition because our elders have said they want peace, unity and development for this region for their grandchildren and children of the Zambezi region,” she told the protesters.
She said she also has the right to refuse the petition and made it clear that she would reject it because traditional authorities disagree with calls for Caprivi secession.
The UDP was banned in 2007 due to its secessionist agenda. The group has renewed protests demanding the separation of the Zambezi region from the rest of Namibia.
National Democratic Party leader and member of parliament Martin Lukato has joined calls by analysts urging government intervention to address the issue.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Lukato said the matter has been ignored for too long and requires direct engagement by the state.
“My views have been straight for the past years. The leader of the UDP is still alive, and unfortunately and sadly Sam Nujoma passed away, but we still have former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who was part and parcel of the agreement around the whole discussion which took place in Lusaka, Zambia. So those two are still alive; the journalists should get sides from the two,” he said.
Lukato said both Pohamba and Mishake Muyongo once held senior positions in Swapo and could meet to find a solution.
“Muyongo contributed a lot to the independence of this country; the agreement which was ours was violated, and the ruling party should meet and find a solution,” Lukato said.
He expressed his belief that dialogue can resolve all outstanding matters.
This week supporters of the UDP have staged demonstrations in parts of the Zambezi region, including Katima Mulilo, calling for self-determination, the release of people they regard as political prisoners, and the return of leaders living in exile.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah previously told the Windhoek Observer that the renewed calls must be viewed within the region’s political history and unresolved tensions.
Kamwanyah said Namibia remains a unitary state under a constitution that does not allow for secession.
