Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The executive director of the ministry of international relations and trade, Penda Naanda, has dismissed speculation that he is in line for a new diplomatic posting.
Naanda has been mentioned in diplomatic circles as a potential candidate for redeployment. However, there has been no official announcement regarding this as of yet.
“This is news to me. Diplomatic postings are strictly dealt with by the Presidency. If there is something like that, it has not reached my ears yet. The Office of the President would perhaps be the best to respond to this question,” Naanda told the Windhoek Observer.
Naanda previously served as Namibia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Office in Geneva.
In diplomatic practice, a formal recall usually follows an official note from the government instructing an envoy to conclude their posting and return home.
The receiving state is then notified through a diplomatic note, and the process of accreditation for the successor begins.
Without a formal letter or instruction from the appointing authority, a head of mission remains in office.
According to Article 32(3)(e)(ii) of the Namibian Constitution, the President has the power to appoint and recall ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of diplomatic missions in consultation with the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, ambassador Margaret Mensah-Williams has concluded her tour of duty as Namibia’s non-resident high commissioner to Canada.
In a public statement, Mensah-Williams said her assignment marked a special chapter in strengthening bilateral ties between Namibia and Canada.
Her work focused on deepening cooperation across sectors such as mining, fisheries, agriculture, and the creative arts industry.
“Today marked a special occasion as I conclude my tour of duty as High Commissioner of Namibia to Canada, non-resident. I am deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relations and foster cooperation across various sectors, including mining, fisheries, agriculture, and the creative arts industry,” Mensah-Williams said.
She noted that her engagement included discussions on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and collaboration around Canada’s Africa-focused policy strategy.
“I was privileged to receive a copy of Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security,” she added.
She also held talks with director general for central, eastern, and southern Africa, Caroline Delany, currently serving as acting deputy minister in Ottawa, to explore ways of increasing trade volumes and strengthening sectoral partnerships.
“I reiterated Namibia’s commitment to continuing and deepening our bilateral relations while exploring new avenues for partnership,” she said, expressing gratitude to all role players and supporters who contributed to the success of her diplomatic work.
Mensah-Williams, who was appointed in 2020, also serves as Namibia’s Ambassador to the United States.
Her Canadian assignment was carried out on a non-resident basis, a common diplomatic arrangement for countries managing relations with multiple nations from one capital.
Prior to her ambassadorial role, she was a senior political figure in Namibia, best known for her tenure as chairperson of the National Council.
Additionally, Namibian ambassador to China, Elia Kaiyamo, is also ending his posting this month after serving in China, Mongolia, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cambodia.
“Our Embassy in Beijing was honoured by Cde Dr HE, the owner of Touch Road in Shanghai, as he hosted a farewell dinner for me. It was well attended by ambassadors, diplomats, business people, Namibian students, nationals, comrades and friends. Dr Chan, our honorary consul in Hong Kong, came all the way to join us,” Kaiyamo wrote in a statement seen in a Facebook post last week.
Responding to questions yesterday, Kaiyamo confirmed his departure.
“My tour of duty to China, Mongolia, Vietnam, North Korea, and Cambodia is due to come to an end this month. As the fifth ambassador, I am not claiming any individual achievement but a collective one, as I built on the good foundation cemented by former colleagues,” he said.
Kaiyamo outlined the achievements during his tenure, citing cooperation in education, trade, tourism, infrastructure development, mining, and people-to-people exchanges.
“I am not privy to who will come as the next ambassador yet. This question should be referred to the executive director of our ministry or the minister. It is normal to return home after duty and one will take it from there. This was an assignment given to me by the party we trust and by my government, which I believe I did justice to. Let’s wait and see what is what after I am back,” he said.
Kaiyamo previously served as Namibia’s ambassador to Cuba before his posting to China in 2015
Questions sent to the ministry of international relations and trade were received, but no response was provided by the time of publication.
