Swartbooi questions Hardap, ||Kharas regions’ place in Namibia

LPM leader mentions taking up guns, threatens to write to Donald Trump

Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi has questioned whether the Hardap and ||Kharas regions should break away from Namibia after hinting at “taking up guns” over what he claims is the marginalisation of southern communities.

He said this at the party’s final campaign rally at Mariental yesterday, two days after he also threatened to write to United States (US) president Donald Trump to intervene in Namibia.

The government has in the past rejected Swartbooi’s claims that the southern regions are neglected.

Speaking at the rally yesterday, Swartbooi said although the two regions are part of the state, they have little to show for it.

“I am asking the question: Should we continue to be part of a republic called Namibia? That’s a big question,” he said.

He told his supporters that they pledge allegiance to the state, but the state “does not do anything” for them.

“Under international law, we have the right to chart a future where our children can be safe, where we can decide the direction of our society and our own prosperity using our own resources,” he said.

Swartbooi claimed communities in southern Namibia have for years been excluded from benefiting from national resources, including diamonds and the newly discovered oil and gas.

“Now the oil is here. It’s because of the oil that they are fighting us, even with the military now. It’s the oil and the massive gas resources,” he said.

He further claimed the government excluded the LPM from Lüderitz to protect “massive pieces of land” for politically connected individuals at the town.

He said similar actions were taken at Aranos and Stampriet.

Swartbooi also accused the government of intending to establish a uranium mine at Leonardville in the Omaheke region, which he warned would pollute land and groundwater in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

Last week, Swartbooi accused the government of persecuting non-Oshiwambo tribes, warning that he is prepared to seek asylum in the US and would raise the matter with Trump.

He said: “It would have been good if we had enough guns, I keep saying it, so the actual shooting war can start, because they have started the shooting war here, last night we couldn’t sleep.”

Swartbooi further said: “It is unacceptable that we should go on as if things are normal in this country. Our lives are on a knife’s edge. Our families’ lives are on a knife’s edge. Our parents do not sleep at night as they have to pray continuously for the lives of their children.

“We need the help of the people of the United States to help us and save us from what is happening in Namibia and provide us with asylum as they have done for Afrikaners. Because if you are a Herero, Nama, Coloured, or San, you are a target for exploitation in this country.”

He made these remarks during a press briefing at Keetmanshoop on Thursday, following the attempted arrest of two ||Kharas regional councillors last Wednesday.

‘WEAKENING NATIONAL UNITY’

Political commentator Sam Kauapirura describes Swartbooi’s statement as a move to weaken national unity – especially since they are made ahead of important elections.

“They could be disturbing the peace and stability in our country,” he says.

According to him, while there are concerns of slow development in the two regions, they should not be used as justification for calls that suggest that they should break away from the country.

“Those calls are unlawful and unconstitutional. They are also politically counterproductive and rather regrettable,” he says.

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah says it is strange for a member of parliament to make such comments.

“I agree with him that there is some marginalisation when it comes to minority ethnic groups, but it’s not becoming very dangerous to be in Namibia, and such that you need international forces. There I will not agree with him,” he says.

Kamwanyah says Swartbooi’s sentiments are a cry for the government to listen and ensure that it promotes inclusivity at all levels.

He says Namibia is retreating from national unity and reconciliation.

Swartbooi did not respond to a text sent to him yesterday. LPM spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa and deputy secretary general Eneas Emvula were not reachable for comment yesterday.

‘STRENGTHENING BATTLE SKILLS’

Last week, the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs said soldiers conducted a training exercise in the ||Kharas region to enhance their tactical capacities and strengthen their battle skills.

Defence minister Frans Kapofi said the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) is not involved in politics and that recent deployments in the south are part of normal training.

“I do not agree that the NDF is political. These are just concerns. Just because we are training in the south does not make it political.

“The NDF has never gone to anyone’s private property for training. We cannot be told where to train and where not to train,” he said.

Kapofi said the military base at Keetmanshoop has existed for years and that NDF activities would continue on its own land.

“There is nothing to be worried about at this point. However, anyone calling for foreign interference and intervention remains a concern. The public should not be worried, but we will study these comments closely to determine their implications,” he said.

POLITICS OF DIVISION

In 2022, then prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said unnecessary quarrels among LPM members and councillors were stalling service delivery, leaving over N$500 million worth of projects incomplete.

These projects, dating back to 2015, include the University of Namibia’s southern campus, the regional home affairs, immigration safety and security office, the Fonteintjie Fish Project, the Aussenkehr water reticulation network, and a primary school at Oranjemund.

The delays were attributed to conflict between the governor and the LPM-led regional council.

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