EDITORIAL: Swapo unity key for a greater Namibia

Swapo members must have breathed a collective sigh of relief yesterday, witnessing the party’s top two leaders – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and secretary general Sophia Shaningwa – holding hands in a show of solidarity after weeks of reported tensions between them.Though both leaders deny any fallout, Shaningwa’s notable absence from key party and state events in recent weeks cannot be ignored as mere coincidence. Whether these tensions were real or imagined, their apparent reconciliation is a welcome development. It is simply bad optics for the top leadership of the ruling party to be seen as divided, particularly in a time of national difficulty. Unity within Swapo is not just an internal matter; it is a national imperative. As the party in power, Swapo’s internal coherence directly impacts the stability and effectiveness of the government. At the helm of both the party and the state is Nandi-Ndaitwah, who cannot afford distractions at a time when Namibia faces mounting challenges – from economic stagnation to social discontent. Now more than ever, Swapo needs to focus on its own shortcomings. The party has lost 26 seats over the last two elections – a signal from the electorate that should not be dismissed. Instead of papering over cracks or blaming external forces, Swapo must take a hard look at itself. The ruling party must invest its energy in introspection and reform – not infighting. Petty, partisan rivalries only serve to distract from the pressing work of national recovery. Namibians need a head of state who is focused on reversing the country’s decline, not one who is constantly looking over her shoulder because of internal tensions.Unity in Swapo must reflect a renewed commitment to good governance and the wellbeing of all citizens.

EDITORIAL: Swapo unity key for a greater Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-16

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EDITORIAL: Swapo unity key for a greater Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-16

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