Denga reads riot act over tribalism

WINDHOEKTOIVO NDJEBELA

In a marathon meeting with his key staff yesterday morning, Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah lashed out at tribalism and regionalism, which he admitted were rife in the force.
His outburst - described by his officials as a bold statement of intent - came just over a week after Namibian Sun reported that an investigation into alleged tribalism in the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), commissioned by President Hifikepunye Pohamba last year, has been completed.
State House has refused to divulge the findings but those close to the investigation have revealed that the report confirmed the long-standing suspicion of tribalism and nepotism in the recruitment and promotion of officers in the NDF.
Ndaitwah yesterday spoke at length about the subject of tribalism and regionalism in a meeting attended by the force's staff sergeants, generals and human resources officials.
"He said he was disturbed by tribalism and regionalism in the force, adding that this will not take us anywhere," a source revealed.
Ndaitwah is expected to retire in December, and in what sources described as potentially his last big meeting before his retirement, he spoke about the dangers of tribalism in any army.
He did not go into the statistics of which tribes are enjoying preference ahead of others, although there is a general feeling that the country's largest tribe - the Ovawambo - is excessively represented in the army at the expense of the rest.
Such allegations prompted Pohamba to commission an investigation last year, spearheaded by former Justice Minister Dr Ngarikutuke Tjiriange.
Tjiriange, now the special advisor to the Minister of Home Affairs, was to be assisted by retired Police Lieutenant-General Raonga Andima, but the latter pulled out.
It is understood that Ndaitwah yesterday expressed concern about text messages being sent to newspapers by some members of the army, saying this was in breach of army protocols.
The SMSes are mostly expressing discontent about the recent regarding of public servants, who include the country's soldiers.
"Denga said the SMSes are a threat to the State," someone who attended the meeting said.
"He urged soldiers to go back to the mission of the NDF, which is to defend the country."
"We are tired of your nonsense," a clearly upset Ndaitwah allegedly said.
There was a general feeling yesterday that the army's top brass is on the hunt for authors of the unwanted SMSes.
Encouraging soldiers to enrol for studies, Ndaitwah also warned them against alcoholism and drug abuse.
Ndaitwah used yesterday's meeting to bid farewell to his staff as he prepares to retire at the end of the year.
His farewell message added fuel to the jostling for his position, which will be up for the taking after he leaves in December.
The leading candidates for replacing him, according to sources, are Army Commander Major General John Mutwa, Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshall Martin Pinehas and Navy Commander Rear Admiral Peter Vilho.
Being superior to the other commanders, Mutwa is tipped to take over from Ndaitwah, with speculation already rife that he will be roped in to act as chief of the defence force from December this year.