Swartbooi should be called to explain his ‘secessionist ideas’ – Seibeb

Former Landless People’s Movement (LPM) deputy president Henny Seibeb says national security services should call in the party’s president, Bernadus Swartbooi, to explain his “secessionist” views.

Seibeb was reacting to Swartbooi’s recent comments questioning whether southern Namibia should still be part of the country.

Swartbooi made these remarks at an LPM rally at Mariental on Sunday.

He said in terms of international law, the southern communities have a right to self-determination.

He also claimed that the Ovaherero, Damara, Baster and white Namibian communities are treated as third-class citizens and live in constant fear.

The LPM says it has reached out to United States (US) president Donald Trump to intervene as his party members are seeking asylum.

Seibeb on Monday said Swartbooi must be called in by the security services to explain his “secessionist ideas”, and the parliament must start investigating such claims.

He said as a member of parliament, Swartbooi took an oath to protect the Constitution, yet he “is now undermining” it.

“He must withdraw his party from parliament if that is the case and challenge the government openly in court,” Seibeb said.

He said Swartbooi’s comments amount to hatred and ethnic politics often used by “failed politicians” in Africa.

He also said no region is being marginalised, nor is there any oppression.

“He was a governor of the //Kharas region and should know better unless he was oppressing his own people and failed to share resources for their intended purpose,” Seibeb said.

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