Swapo seeks urgent eviction of veterans camped at Windhoek headquarters

Namibia’s ruling party Swapo has approached the High Court on an urgent basis seeking the eviction of a group of demonstrators who have camped at its headquarters in Windhoek since October last year.

The matter was before court last Wednesday before Judge Gabriel Komboni.

In her founding affidavit, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said the application seeks to have the occupation declared unlawful and to secure an order compelling the group to vacate the premises.

The respondents cited in the application include group leader Joseph Amuteya, other demonstrators, and the Windhoek municipality, which is listed as an interested party.

The group, consisting of Namibians repatriated from exile in 1989, has been staging a demonstration while demanding the release of funds and benefits they say were promised to them more than three decades ago.

Urgency

Shaningwa's affidavit states that the group began demonstrating under police supervision before setting up camp at the party’s headquarters on 22 October 2025.

She states that both the party and representatives of the United Nations have engaged the group, maintaining that no evidence exists to support claims that such funds were received or mismanaged.

Despite a meeting held on 17 January and a subsequent agreement to vacate the premises by 20 January, the group has allegedly refused to leave.

“The respondents have defied both the notice to vacate and the eviction notice and continue to occupy the property unlawfully,” Shaningwa states in court papers.

She further argues that the continued occupation has caused disruption, increased security costs and poses a health and environmental risk.

The party also contends that the situation is urgent, citing the planned inauguration of its new headquarters scheduled for 19 April.