RDP up in arms

THE Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) has condemned the “unruly behaviour of ruling Swapo Party members and supporters” at the ‘One Nation Shitemba’ section of Katutura on Saturday, where the RDP was prevented from holding an election rally.

“Swapo members and thugs mounted a well-planned and concerted effort to violently disrupt a peaceful RDP meeting,” the party CHARGED in a statement. Swapo members and supporters also showed that they had no respect for the Namibian Police, the RDP said.”These unguided elements openly defied and hurled insults at the Police, who were only trying to maintain law and order, and we are alarmed by the increasingly violent and tribal slogans shouted by Swapo members and supporters.”The RDP warned that inter-tribal wars in Africa and elsewhere broke out when leaders spoke of driving “unwanted” tribes out their countries.”This dangerous trend must be nipped in the bud immediately.The party said it had written numerous letters to the President of Swapo, Hifikepunye Pohamba, to rein in his followers.”This, sadly, has fallen on deaf ears.”The RDP again appealed to President Pohamba to control party members and to allow all political parties their democratic space and rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.”We urge President Pohamba to send out an unambiguous message that he is in charge of the country and his party.Given the present climate of intimidation, harassment and violence, it is difficult to see how elections in Namibia can be free and fair.”Swapo members and supporters also showed that they had no respect for the Namibian Police, the RDP said.”These unguided elements openly defied and hurled insults at the Police, who were only trying to maintain law and order, and we are alarmed by the increasingly violent and tribal slogans shouted by Swapo members and supporters.”The RDP warned that inter-tribal wars in Africa and elsewhere broke out when leaders spoke of driving “unwanted” tribes out their countries.”This dangerous trend must be nipped in the bud immediately.The party said it had written numerous letters to the President of Swapo, Hifikepunye Pohamba, to rein in his followers.”This, sadly, has fallen on deaf ears.”The RDP again appealed to President Pohamba to control party members and to allow all political parties their democratic space and rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.”We urge President Pohamba to send out an unambiguous message that he is in charge of the country and his party.Given the present climate of intimidation, harassment and violence, it is difficult to see how elections in Namibia can be free and fair.”