UDP ban not formal, police commissioner explains
Region's security clusters on high alert
Zambezi regional police commander Commissioner Andreas Shilelo has explained that no formal signed directive has ever been issued to legally ban the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Government announced a ban on the UDP in 2006, with then-deputy information minister Raphael Dinyando saying the party would not be allowed to hold meetings or engage in any political activities.
This week, a group affiliated with the UDP demonstrated in Katima Mulilo, calling for the secession of the Zambezi region from the rest of Namibia.
The police provided an escort for UDP activists seeking to hand over a petition to Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi.
Commissioner Shilelo confirmed to Namibian Sun yesterday that the escort was arranged to maintain public order and ensure safety.
In an interview, he said the measure aimed to prevent potential clashes, given strong community opposition to the movement.
Not on paper
While the UDP is widely described as a banned organisation, Shilelo noted there are legal complexities surrounding the party’s status.
The police commissioner explained that, although former president Sam Nujoma had publicly called for the group to be banned – accusing it of promoting the ideology behind the 1994 and 1999 military base attacks – no formal legislation or signed decree was ever issued to enforce such a ban legally.
“There was no secular written writing that was circulated after his call for the ban of this... there was no letter that he signed,” he confirmed.
He added that the UDP does not operate as a registered political party because its members do not identify as Namibians and are therefore unable to register with the Electoral Commission of Namibia.
Instead, the group describes itself as a “liberation movement”.
Shilelo said police protection during the march was provided under the Bill of Rights enshrined in Chapter 3 of the Namibian Constitution, noting that denying the group safe passage could have triggered unrest.
“It is impossible for them to move from point A to point B without any vehicle in front that alerts oncoming traffic,” he said, referring to the safety measures put in place during the demonstration.
Unity and development
Governor Kabula-Simushi refused to accept the petition this week, saying she was exercising her authority as governor and stressing that traditional leaders had distanced themselves from the UDP and its ideals.
“I’m ready not to receive any petition because our elders have said they want peace, unity and development for this region for their grandchildren and children of the Zambezi region,” she told the protesters.
The region’s security posture has been bolstered by local leaders’ firm rejection of secessionist calls.
Earlier this week, all four traditional authorities in the Zambezi region, together with members of the public, issued formal statements opposing the UDP’s agenda.
The Mafwe Traditional Authority, led by Chief George Mamili, called on the UDP to stop the illegal activities it is pursuing in the region, including attempts to separate the region from the rest of Namibia.
Herbert Mujiwa of the Masubia Traditional Authority, speaking on behalf of Chief Moraliswani Gilbert Mutwa, echoed the same message, firmly rejecting the secessionist agenda.
The petition
Although regional authorities did not officially accept the petition, members of the group read it aloud, calling on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene and grant them a platform to engage with the state.
UDP chairperson Leonard Malesu also demanded the unconditional release of all Caprivi political prisoners and the return of those living in exile, including former leader Mishake Muyongo.
The group also appealed to international organisations and non-governmental bodies for support.
“We believe the people of Caprivi have suffered enough under the Namibian government,” Malesu said, warning that continued inaction could lead to unrest.
Tight security
Police Commissioner Shilelo reassured residents that the police and Namibian Defence Force are ready to respond to any potential escalation.
“The security cluster of this region is ready to make sure that if there is any internal threat, that threat is dealt with,” he said, adding that while police do not support the movement’s objectives, their duty is to uphold the law and protect all lives.
Shilelo confirmed that the region’s security cluster has been placed on high alert following the demonstration.
– Additional reporting by Charmaine Snewe in Katima Mulilo.
Government announced a ban on the UDP in 2006, with then-deputy information minister Raphael Dinyando saying the party would not be allowed to hold meetings or engage in any political activities.
This week, a group affiliated with the UDP demonstrated in Katima Mulilo, calling for the secession of the Zambezi region from the rest of Namibia.
The police provided an escort for UDP activists seeking to hand over a petition to Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi.
Commissioner Shilelo confirmed to Namibian Sun yesterday that the escort was arranged to maintain public order and ensure safety.
In an interview, he said the measure aimed to prevent potential clashes, given strong community opposition to the movement.
Not on paper
While the UDP is widely described as a banned organisation, Shilelo noted there are legal complexities surrounding the party’s status.
The police commissioner explained that, although former president Sam Nujoma had publicly called for the group to be banned – accusing it of promoting the ideology behind the 1994 and 1999 military base attacks – no formal legislation or signed decree was ever issued to enforce such a ban legally.
“There was no secular written writing that was circulated after his call for the ban of this... there was no letter that he signed,” he confirmed.
He added that the UDP does not operate as a registered political party because its members do not identify as Namibians and are therefore unable to register with the Electoral Commission of Namibia.
Instead, the group describes itself as a “liberation movement”.
Shilelo said police protection during the march was provided under the Bill of Rights enshrined in Chapter 3 of the Namibian Constitution, noting that denying the group safe passage could have triggered unrest.
“It is impossible for them to move from point A to point B without any vehicle in front that alerts oncoming traffic,” he said, referring to the safety measures put in place during the demonstration.
Unity and development
Governor Kabula-Simushi refused to accept the petition this week, saying she was exercising her authority as governor and stressing that traditional leaders had distanced themselves from the UDP and its ideals.
“I’m ready not to receive any petition because our elders have said they want peace, unity and development for this region for their grandchildren and children of the Zambezi region,” she told the protesters.
The region’s security posture has been bolstered by local leaders’ firm rejection of secessionist calls.
Earlier this week, all four traditional authorities in the Zambezi region, together with members of the public, issued formal statements opposing the UDP’s agenda.
The Mafwe Traditional Authority, led by Chief George Mamili, called on the UDP to stop the illegal activities it is pursuing in the region, including attempts to separate the region from the rest of Namibia.
Herbert Mujiwa of the Masubia Traditional Authority, speaking on behalf of Chief Moraliswani Gilbert Mutwa, echoed the same message, firmly rejecting the secessionist agenda.
The petition
Although regional authorities did not officially accept the petition, members of the group read it aloud, calling on President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to intervene and grant them a platform to engage with the state.
UDP chairperson Leonard Malesu also demanded the unconditional release of all Caprivi political prisoners and the return of those living in exile, including former leader Mishake Muyongo.
The group also appealed to international organisations and non-governmental bodies for support.
“We believe the people of Caprivi have suffered enough under the Namibian government,” Malesu said, warning that continued inaction could lead to unrest.
Tight security
Police Commissioner Shilelo reassured residents that the police and Namibian Defence Force are ready to respond to any potential escalation.
“The security cluster of this region is ready to make sure that if there is any internal threat, that threat is dealt with,” he said, adding that while police do not support the movement’s objectives, their duty is to uphold the law and protect all lives.
Shilelo confirmed that the region’s security cluster has been placed on high alert following the demonstration.
– Additional reporting by Charmaine Snewe in Katima Mulilo.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article