EDITORIAL: What’s the fuss about lunch with ambassadors?

The ruling party’s extreme take on a meeting between Panduleni Itula and European ambassadors reeks of unnecessary panic. If Namibian ambassadors abroad are not doing the same, they are not doing their job.

A diverse spectrum of individuals are met by diplomats, such as governmental officials, journalists, corporate executives and members of the public. Diplomats use these gatherings as a vital means of information-gathering, relationship-building and national-interest promotion.

Comprehending the political landscape of their host nations is crucial, as events like election outcomes have the potential to influence bilateral relations between countries. The said meeting was not secretive. In fact, the Germany embassy itself posted on social media about it.

Of course, IPC made a meal out of the situation, such as stating that Itula is widely expected to become Namibia’s next president. This is political rhetoric, an organic ingredient in any electoral year.

Swapo itself has excellent relations with embassies such as that of Cuba and China. Those who understand politics and history would understand the context of these relations, and that’s why nobody is complaining.

Minister Peya Mushelenga must take the country into his confidence and reveal what government-to-government affairs were discussed at the meeting. Otherwise, this sounds like meandering zombie noise, and it portrays the ruling party as grasping at straws. Panic is not a good tonic in a year like this.