Diffuse Angola-Namibia Time Bomb

If the Namibian government wants to tackle a diplomatic issue that really matters, it should engage Angola’s leaders on the human trafficking and sex slavery going on between the two countries.

The half-hearted measure of repatriating Angolan children, women and hungry families will not stop people coming to Namibia in search of food and jobs.

If anything, one can already speculate that the children and their families are already back in Namibia.

Either we accept and look after the southern Angola refugees forever or we engage the Angolan government on building hospitals, schools and economic activities that will end the immigration.

Too many Angolan girls suffer abuse, while young children are forced into unpaid labour. It has to stop.

Two weeks ago, Namibia and Angola held a senior official session in preparation for the inaugural session of the Angola-Namibia Bi-National Commission.

The meeting took place in Luanda over three days.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony on Friday, the head of the Namibian delegation and executive director of international relations and cooperation, Penda Naanda, said: “I have no doubt that through our combined efforts . . . we will be able to execute our mandate, translating into tangible and concrete recommendations of common interest for the consideration and adoption by the ministerial session,” he said.

“We hope the common interest includes protecting the vulnerable Angolans who are being sent from pillar to post in what appears to be a public relations gimmick to save face while the problem of human trafficking and sex slavery continues,” he added.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.