INTERVIEW: Rosa Namises Responds to President Mbumba’s Claims at SWAPO Rally

At a recent rally in Endola, President Nangolo Mbumba of the SWAPO-led government declared that they have maintained peace, stability, and security in Namibia for 34 years. In response, independent presidential candidate Rosa Namises offered a candid assessment of these statements, challenging the government’s portrayal of security and peace in the country.

Namises, a seasoned activist and politician, expressed deep concern over the President’s comments. “When I hear such sentiments coming from the President, I get really worried because it seems we live in two different countries,” Namises remarked. Reflecting on her personal experiences before Namibia’s independence, she recalled the deep insecurity and violence of that time—characterized by state surveillance, brutal detentions, and a racial system that dehumanized people. She pointed to the apartheid era’s oppressive atmosphere, when safety was a distant reality for many Namibians.

However, Namises made it clear that despite the end of apartheid, many Namibians today still face insecurity and inequality. She noted the pressing issues of food insecurity, landlessness, and the deepening tribalism that divides Namibians. “The apartheid system, which was discriminatory between black and white, is now dividing us among black Namibians,” Namises said, adding that tribalism continues to play a significant role in resource distribution and governance.

Touching on the government’s drought relief program, Namises raised alarms about the quality of food being distributed to vulnerable communities. She described the aid as “poisonous” and of substandard quality, citing examples of fish and porridge that were unsafe for consumption. “When you cook it, the water turns black,” Namises emphasized, questioning how such relief efforts could be labeled as part of a secure and peaceful system.

Namises also tackled the issues of housing and unemployment, particularly among young people. She criticized the government for its lack of action and inadequate social protection measures, which have left many citizens vulnerable. Namises pointed out the stark contrast between the lives of the political elite and ordinary Namibians struggling to survive. “Employment has not come for most young people,” she lamented, mentioning how many are forced to scavenge through waste bins in search of survival.

In Namises’ view, crime, violence, and the rising drug trade reflect a society far from the peace and security President Mbumba spoke of. “We are not safe and secure in the country,” Namises asserted, highlighting how families live in fear, not from external threats but from the dangers within their own communities and homes.

Addressing Namibia’s push for a seat on the UN Security Council, Namises expressed skepticism about its relevance to the security challenges Namibians face. “The African Union doesn’t need a seat on the UN to make us safe. We need to ensure our safety ourselves,” she said, suggesting that Namibia should focus on building internal security structures rather than seeking international recognition.

Namises’ response highlighted the stark differences in how security and peace are experienced by different segments of the population, calling for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to governance. For Namises, true security lies in addressing the underlying social challenges facing the country, including unemployment, inequality, and tribalism.

As Namibia prepares for its next election, Rosa Namises continues to advocate for the voices of the marginalized, calling for a deeper reflection on what it truly means to live in a peaceful and secure nation.