Time Won’t Erode The Questions

THE recent statement by President Pohamba regarding the Nujoma versus NSHR issue is not only disappointing, but it is also extremely unfortunate.

Namibia is claimed to be a democratic country, with freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution. If that, and other freedoms are about to be redefined, then it makes no sense that the Constitution, in its original form, was ever considered worthy of the peoples of Namibia.The statement further indicates that President Pohamba is leading the pack of those ignorant of the real, and core issues.It is the right of the many thousands of Namibians to know what happened to their loved ones during the years of the liberation struggle.President Pohamba, Sam Nujoma and all members of Swapo owe it to the nation to disclose the truth.That disclosure should not be coupled to what the agents of the previous South African regime did or were responsible for.Such guilty persons can and should also be investigated.No one has accused Nujoma of any crimes.But what is being asked is that he has the courage to speak out truthfully about the whereabouts of the missing Namibians.Swapo elected not to address the issue by way of a ‘Truth & Reconciliation Tribunal’, an opportunity to finally bring closure to the various issues.By not doing so, they not only missed the ideal opportunity, but ensured that the questions will never go away.Time will not erode those questions, which still require answers.By bringing the matter to the ICC, there is, at least, a possibility that some of the facts might eventually emerge.It is not about proving Nujoma guilty, it is about closure, and only the truth will ensure that.President Pohamba has not covered himself in glory by seeming to ignore the very real issues, and sweeping them under the carpet does not contribute in a positive manner.Advising dissenting voices to leave Namibia is neither correct, diplomatic nor discreet language, and the first citizen should consider carefully the message that he wishes to send out into the world.Namibia is a small nation, heavily dependent on interaction with the outside world, so it is ‘not wise to cut one’s nose to spite one’s face’.Such arrogant and unfortunate language is best suited to elementary school rather than the corridors of power.There are many issues that could be brought into open court, but there is still far too much emotion and too little wisdom being displayed.The issue of ‘Father of the Nation’, and who the real founder of Swapo is, should also be debated.Nujoma recently objected to a scene in the film on his life regarding a briefcase that was accessed by South African security forces, which lead to Toivo ya Toivo’s arrest and incarceration.Had that not happened it is conceivable that the ‘Father of the Nation’ might be the real founder of Swapo, and not Nujoma.The briefcase incident is embarrassing, because Nujoma never let it out of his sight.With Toivo ya Toivo taken care of, it was fairly easy for Nujoma to rise to the top of the pile.But amongst all the hype and emotion, no one really examines the facts.Namibia is a democracy in theory, not in practice.Worried Namibian Via e-mail Note: Name and address provided – EdIf that, and other freedoms are about to be redefined, then it makes no sense that the Constitution, in its original form, was ever considered worthy of the peoples of Namibia.The statement further indicates that President Pohamba is leading the pack of those ignorant of the real, and core issues.It is the right of the many thousands of Namibians to know what happened to their loved ones during the years of the liberation struggle.President Pohamba, Sam Nujoma and all members of Swapo owe it to the nation to disclose the truth.That disclosure should not be coupled to what the agents of the previous South African regime did or were responsible for.Such guilty persons can and should also be investigated.No one has accused Nujoma of any crimes.But what is being asked is that he has the courage to speak out truthfully about the whereabouts of the missing Namibians.Swapo elected not to address the issue by way of a ‘Truth & Reconciliation Tribunal’, an opportunity to finally bring closure to the various issues.By not doing so, they not only missed the ideal opportunity, but ensured that the questions will never go away.Time will not erode those questions, which still require answers.By bringing the matter to the ICC, there is, at least, a possibility that some of the facts might eventually emerge.It is not about proving Nujoma guilty, it is about closure, and only the truth will ensure that.President Pohamba has not covered himself in glory by seeming to ignore the very real issues, and sweeping them under the carpet does not contribute in a positive manner.Advising dissenting voices to leave Namibia is neither correct, diplomatic nor discreet language, and the first citizen should consider carefully the message that he wishes to send out into the world.Namibia is a small nation, heavily dependent on interaction with the outside world, so it is ‘not wise to cut one’s nose to spite one’s face’.Such arrogant and unfortunate language is best suited to elementary school rather than the corridors of power.There are many issues that could be brought into open court, but there is still far too much emotion and too little wisdom being displayed.The issue of ‘Father of the Nation’, and who the real founder of Swapo is, should also be debated.Nujoma recently objected to a scene in the film on his life regarding a briefcase that was accessed by South African security forces, which lead to Toivo ya Toivo’s arrest and incarceration.Had that not happened it is conceivable that the ‘Father of the Nation’ might be the real founder of Swapo, and not Nujoma.The briefcase incident is embarrassing, because Nujoma never let it out of his sight.With Toivo ya Toivo taken care of, it was fairly easy for Nujoma to rise to the top of the pile.But amongst all the hype and emotion, no one really examines the facts.Namibia is a democracy in theory, not in practice. Worried Namibian Via e-mail Note: Name and address provided – Ed