Peace and stability crucial: President

GOVERNMENT will not tolerate “mob rule” within the borders of Namibia, President Hifikepunye Pohamba warned yesterday.

Addressing the first Cabinet meeting of the year, the Head of State said the death of a young Namibian at Aminuis last November as a result of clashes between two traditional authorities was a sad event for the country. “I want to caution those involved in these acts of violence and intolerance that the Government will not allow mob rule.We should not allow seeds of discord and division to undermine the unity of our people,” Pohamba warned.”Those who are responsible must answer for their actions through our justice system.Our strength as a nation lies in the colourful diversity of the Namibian people and in our different cultures, traditions, backgrounds, skills and knowledge,” he said.”Without peace and stability there can be no sustainable development.We must, therefore, as the ruling party (Swapo) consciously and continuously invest in peace as well as in political and socio-economic stability,” Pohamba added.”As I have stated in the past, I am convinced that Namibians can live in peace and harmony, because our common values and goals exceed our differences,” Pohamba stressed.The President will visit the Omaheke Region today and Thursday, The Namibian has learnt.He is scheduled to meet with traditional leaders and the communities at Aminuis, where the tribal clash took place, and at Otjinene.He will also inaugurate a constituency office at each of these places.Pohamba will further have a closed-door meeting with representatives of the Maharero Traditional Authority at Gobabis.A visit to Epukiro is also scheduled.”I want to caution those involved in these acts of violence and intolerance that the Government will not allow mob rule.We should not allow seeds of discord and division to undermine the unity of our people,” Pohamba warned.”Those who are responsible must answer for their actions through our justice system.Our strength as a nation lies in the colourful diversity of the Namibian people and in our different cultures, traditions, backgrounds, skills and knowledge,” he said.”Without peace and stability there can be no sustainable development.We must, therefore, as the ruling party (Swapo) consciously and continuously invest in peace as well as in political and socio-economic stability,” Pohamba added.”As I have stated in the past, I am convinced that Namibians can live in peace and harmony, because our common values and goals exceed our differences,” Pohamba stressed.The President will visit the Omaheke Region today and Thursday, The Namibian has learnt.He is scheduled to meet with traditional leaders and the communities at Aminuis, where the tribal clash took place, and at Otjinene.He will also inaugurate a constituency office at each of these places.Pohamba will further have a closed-door meeting with representatives of the Maharero Traditional Authority at Gobabis.A visit to Epukiro is also scheduled.