Swapo factionalism alive - Geingob
The head of state says Swapo is still grappling with the hangover from last year's elective congress battle.
President Hage Geingob says there are hints that factionalism still exists in Swapo, following last year's bruising ruling party elective congress.
Speaking at the opening of a Swapo Central Committee (CC) held on Friday, Geingob said: “I am hearing groups are still continuing, let them end. Campaigning is allowed, we can fight on issues but once results are out, it is over.”
He called on those seeking to challenge his slate at upcoming elective congresses to accept the results and move on.
“Inner-party elections were concluded, let's accept them or go to the courts; go to the courts! The elections are over, we are now talking of national elections.”
Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa called for unity, saying the opposition are looking to capitalise on any hints of factionalism.
“The campaign is over; all those that are not Swapo are looking [at] how they can beat Swapo. We have to face them as Swapo,” she said.
Geingob also threw jabs at the Affirmative Repositioning group and the Landless People's Movement, who boycotted the country's second national land conference, calling the gathering successful.
“The land conference was successfully held; very inclusive, contrary to what others were expecting,” Geingob added.
According to him, former presidents Hifikepunye Pohamba and Sam Nujoma had their suggestions turned down, but they were still actively involved at the conference.
I don't know about factions - Nahas
Former Prime Minister Nahas Angula, who stood against Geingob for the Swapo presidency last year, said Geingob was “entitled to his own perception”.
“I was not in the meeting, I do not know under which context he was saying it.”
Helmut Angula, who also stood unsuccessfully for the party vice-presidency post last November, and who was part of the Team Swapo faction with Nahas, said he was not engaged in any factionalism, only with his personal matters.
“I am not involved, I am not even attending these things [CC meetings],” Angula said.
Geingob's faction had been known as Team Harambee.
OGONE TLHAGE
Speaking at the opening of a Swapo Central Committee (CC) held on Friday, Geingob said: “I am hearing groups are still continuing, let them end. Campaigning is allowed, we can fight on issues but once results are out, it is over.”
He called on those seeking to challenge his slate at upcoming elective congresses to accept the results and move on.
“Inner-party elections were concluded, let's accept them or go to the courts; go to the courts! The elections are over, we are now talking of national elections.”
Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa called for unity, saying the opposition are looking to capitalise on any hints of factionalism.
“The campaign is over; all those that are not Swapo are looking [at] how they can beat Swapo. We have to face them as Swapo,” she said.
Geingob also threw jabs at the Affirmative Repositioning group and the Landless People's Movement, who boycotted the country's second national land conference, calling the gathering successful.
“The land conference was successfully held; very inclusive, contrary to what others were expecting,” Geingob added.
According to him, former presidents Hifikepunye Pohamba and Sam Nujoma had their suggestions turned down, but they were still actively involved at the conference.
I don't know about factions - Nahas
Former Prime Minister Nahas Angula, who stood against Geingob for the Swapo presidency last year, said Geingob was “entitled to his own perception”.
“I was not in the meeting, I do not know under which context he was saying it.”
Helmut Angula, who also stood unsuccessfully for the party vice-presidency post last November, and who was part of the Team Swapo faction with Nahas, said he was not engaged in any factionalism, only with his personal matters.
“I am not involved, I am not even attending these things [CC meetings],” Angula said.
Geingob's faction had been known as Team Harambee.
OGONE TLHAGE
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