Allexer Namundjembo
Swapo says a protest camp by former refugees is delaying the opening of its Katutura headquarters and causing financial losses.
In its heads of argument before the High Court, Swapo on Wednesday said the continued occupation is disrupting operations and preparations for the inauguration of a new office building planned for April 2026.
Swapo, together with Kalahari Holdings and Erf 2464 Katutura (Pty) Ltd, filed an urgent application on 18 March 2026.
The application seeks the eviction of Joseph David Iipinge Amuteya and others camping at the premises.
The party wants the court to declare the occupation unlawful and order the group to leave the property and adjacent pavement.
“The respondents [are to] remove all their camping materials and vacate the applicants’ property… failing which the Namibian Police and the Deputy Sheriff of Windhoek [are allowed] to remove them,” the notice of motion reads.
A group of former refugees who have been camping outside the headquarters since October 2025.
The group says it wants answers about funds it believes were allocated for Namibians who returned from exile.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said the group started demonstrating under police supervision before setting up camp on 22 October 2025.
She said the party has engaged the group several times, including meetings with United Nations (UN) representatives.
“The former refugees insist that Swapo’s headquarters is not private property but municipal land and say they will not vacate the site until they receive official documentation explaining how the N$21.7 million allegedly allocated for their reintegration at independence was managed,” she said.
Shaningwa said no evidence has been found to support claims that such funds were paid to Swapo.
“The office of the secretary general, having conducted an extensive review of current and past documents, has not found any document to prove that the UN had paid funds to SWAPO to be distributed to the refugees or returnees,” she said.
The party said notices to vacate were issued on 18 January and 17 February, but the group refused to leave.
Swapo told the court the situation has become a health and environmental risk.
It also cited security concerns and increased costs linked to managing the site.
The respondents are members of the Former Refugees Repatriation Association of Namibia (FFRAN).
They were repatriated in 1989 through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) programme and were promised support that was not delivered.
They want funds and documentation from the United Nations.
FRRAN member Erastus Wilhem said the court action does not address their concerns.
“We did not request the High Court but came to our leaders to discuss the problems at hand,” he said.
The group is also calling for equal treatment in veterans’ benefits.
The defence minister, Frans Kapofi, previously said the matter does not fall under his ministry.
“They are citing the UN in their demands,” he said.
A United Nations statement said assistance for repatriation was provided in 1989 and the process was completed.
It said responsibility for rehabilitation rests with the government.
