Speaking at the ceremonial opening session of Parliament, the Speaker, Theo-Ben Gurirab, cautioned that lately in Africa people were killed "just for being different", as politics of transition and succession came with challenges in Africa, "When political bickering and acts of violence based on ethnicity become the way, humans approach a brink of anarchy and mayhem, causing suffering and hopelessness, making everyone of us accomplices and losers.

"For this we cannot today blame outsiders or history, that blame game sounds hollow under the pressure of circumstances," the Speaker said.

He did not say so directly, but Gurirab clearly hinted at the ongoing violence in Kenya after the December elections, which that country's main opposition party claims to have been rigged.

This led to ethnic violence, with over 1 000 people killed and over 300 000 Kenyans becoming internally displayed.

Recently members and sympathisers of the ruling Swapo party have shown a lack of tolerance towards the new opposition party Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) in words and deeds.

According to Gurirab, Africa's woes seemed not to end, which should not be treated like business as usual.

"What is lacking is political will and concerted action by all of us because Africa is bleeding and crying out for help.

People want bread and butter and not the brandishing of machetes and bullets through their bodies and killing them - just for being different.

"I hope and pray that the whole of this eventful year, 2008 and 2009, [which is] election year, will find Namibia in good form and a compassionate mode of tolerance, agreeing to disagree peacefully and serving all of our people without fear, favour or prejudice," the Speaker urged.

Political pluralism, including cultural and ethnic diversity, was inherent in a constitutional democracy, the Speaker pointed out.

It was also a useful instrument in helping to advance the ideals of unity, reconciliation, fairness and transparency.

After the ceremonial opening yesterday, the House adjourned until next Tuesday, when the regular working sessions will start.

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