NSHR raps ‘dirty tricks’ in Swapo presidential race

THE National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) has criticised what it termed “dirty tricks” in the race for the nomination of Swapo’s State President candidate.

The organisation said President Sam Nujoma and people “closely associated” with his office and State security were using disinformation, bribery, intimidation, smear tactics, mudslinging and demonisation against two nominees – Higher Education Minister Nahas Angula and Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya. “Demonisation against Hidipo Hamutenya – who at times is labelled an ‘agent of US imperialists’ and ‘the owner of the dungeons of Lubango’ – is said to be most extensive,” said the NSHR statement.NSHR Director Phil Ya Nangoloh said when he was a principal campaigner for the release of Swapo detainees, he had not received “specific information” that Hamutenya, Angula or other president hopeful Hifikepunye Pohamba “had played any role in the creation, direction, supervision or implementation of Lubango pogroms”.Ya Nangoloh said Namibia Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Solomon “Jesus” Hawala “led the notorious security services in exile” and was answerable only to Nujoma.Hawala, also referred to as the “the butcher of Lubango”, has never publicly defended himself against the onslaught of accusations that he was responsible for torture and death.”Demonisation against Hidipo Hamutenya – who at times is labelled an ‘agent of US imperialists’ and ‘the owner of the dungeons of Lubango’ – is said to be most extensive,” said the NSHR statement.NSHR Director Phil Ya Nangoloh said when he was a principal campaigner for the release of Swapo detainees, he had not received “specific information” that Hamutenya, Angula or other president hopeful Hifikepunye Pohamba “had played any role in the creation, direction, supervision or implementation of Lubango pogroms”.Ya Nangoloh said Namibia Defence Force chief Lieutenant General Solomon “Jesus” Hawala “led the notorious security services in exile” and was answerable only to Nujoma.Hawala, also referred to as the “the butcher of Lubango”, has never publicly defended himself against the onslaught of accusations that he was responsible for torture and death.