Shalli takes command of the NDF

LIEUTENANT GENERAL Martin Shalli took over the command of the Namibian Defence Force from Solomon Hawala during a colourful parade at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek yesterday.

At 52, the career officer, who also had military academy training in the United Kingdom after Independence, is one of the youngest Chiefs of a Defence Force (CDFs) in southern Africa. Shalli is Namibia’s third CDF.The late Lieutenant General Dimo Hamaambo was the first, serving from 1990 until 2000, followed by Hawala, who retired yesterday after 42 years of military service.All three held top ranks in the former People’s Liberation Army (Plan) during the liberation struggle.Shalli joined Plan in 1974 at the age of 20, going on to become its Chief of Operations.”Today marks a milestone in the annals of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF),” Shalli said in his speech yesterday.”I have become the first soldier and diplomat to take over in this post,” he added, referring to his 18 months as high commissioner in Zambia until his new appointment.Shalli served in the NDF from 1990 until February 2005.”As a defence force, we have clear goals and we promise to stay the course by walking the talk, we shall put our money where our mouths are, building a well-equipped, well-trained and effective force.”Shalli also warned soldiers that he would not tolerate corruption or poor discipline in the army, navy or air force.”In conformity with the clarion call by our President and Commander-in-Chief, President Pohamba, we join the relentless battle against injustice, unfairness and corrupt practices for the common good of our country and people,” Shalli said.”My message for any undisciplined members of the NDF is simple and unequivocal – shape up or ship out!” Lt Gen Hawala said it was a sad day for him to retire after 42 years in the military.”Tribute should also be paid to those who died for Namibia’s liberation,” he added.Hawala, who is alleged to have sanctioned tortures, disappearances and executions of Swapo members who were accused of being spies for apartheid South Africa in southern Angola during the liberation struggle – an accusation he has never denied publicly – then said: “Allow me to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and heroines whom we left behind as we waded in the rivers of their blood towards our freedom …they did not die in vain because our independence came as a result of their selfless sacrifice.”The march-past of the navy, army and air force was witnessed by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, Speaker of the National Assembly Theo-Ben Gurirab, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and diplomats, among them military attachés.Lutheran Bishop Zephaniah Kameeta and the Secretary General of the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), Philip Strydom, were also present.”This ceremony not only symbolised a change of guard but also a generation change,” one EU diplomat told The Namibian afterwards.”With a young Defence Chief, who however has 30 years of active military career behind him, new impulses will come during his office, not only for the NDF but also for in the regional context with the SADC standby force in the process of being established,” the diplomat said.Shalli is Namibia’s third CDF.The late Lieutenant General Dimo Hamaambo was the first, serving from 1990 until 2000, followed by Hawala, who retired yesterday after 42 years of military service.All three held top ranks in the former People’s Liberation Army (Plan) during the liberation struggle.Shalli joined Plan in 1974 at the age of 20, going on to become its Chief of Operations. “Today marks a milestone in the annals of the Namibia Defence Force (NDF),” Shalli said in his speech yesterday.”I have become the first soldier and diplomat to take over in this post,” he added, referring to his 18 months as high commissioner in Zambia until his new appointment.Shalli served in the NDF from 1990 until February 2005.”As a defence force, we have clear goals and we promise to stay the course by walking the talk, we shall put our money where our mouths are, building a well-equipped, well-trained and effective force.”Shalli also warned soldiers that he would not tolerate corruption or poor discipline in the army, navy or air force.”In conformity with the clarion call by our President and Commander-in-Chief, President Pohamba, we join the relentless battle against injustice, unfairness and corrupt practices for the common good of our country and people,” Shalli said.”My message for any undisciplined members of the NDF is simple and unequivocal – shape up or ship out!” Lt Gen Hawala said it was a sad day for him to retire after 42 years in the military.”Tribute should also be paid to those who died for Namibia’s liberation,” he added.Hawala, who is alleged to have sanctioned tortures, disappearances and executions of Swapo members who were accused of being spies for apartheid South Africa in southern Angola during the liberation struggle – an accusation he has never denied publicly – then said: “Allow me to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and heroines whom we left behind as we waded in the rivers of their blood towards our freedom …they did not die in vain because our independence came as a result of their selfless sacrifice.”The march-past of the navy, army and air force was witnessed by Chief Justice Peter Shivute, Speaker of the National Assembly Theo-Ben Gurirab, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and diplomats, among them military attachés.Lutheran Bishop Zephaniah Kameeta and the Secretary General of the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN), Philip Strydom, were also present.”This ceremony not only symbolised a change of guard but also a generation change,” one EU diplomat told The Namibian afterwards.”With a young Defence Chief, who however has 30 years of active military career behind him, new impulses will come during his office, not only for the NDF but also for in the regional context with the SADC standby force in the process of being established,” the diplomat said.

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.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.