Advocating for Land Rights: The /Khomanins Community Takes a Stand

Windhoek, Namibia — November 4, 2024: In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and resilience, the /Khomanins Landless Association and the Namibia Ancestral Land Foundation have submitted a final petition to the Namibian government, calling for urgent action to address systemic land dispossession and the ongoing plight of landless communities in Namibia. This petition comes in the wake of a mass demonstration aimed at highlighting the injustices faced by indigenous peoples, particularly concerning their ancestral lands.

The petition, which was officially handed to key government officials, including the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly and the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, articulates the frustrations of the /Khomanins community, who have been historically dispossessed of their land through unduly restrictive resettlement programs and policies favoring tribal elites. As articulated by social justice activist and representative Shaun Asprilla Gariseb, the /Khomanins assert their identity as internally displaced persons in an independent Namibia, a status that they believe has not been adequately recognized or addressed by the government.

The Heart of the Issue

The petition emphasizes the unique cultural and historical ties that indigenous peoples maintain with their land. It argues that the systemic dispossession has not only stripped communities of their rightful ownership but has also led to widespread violations of their human rights. The document outlines a series of demands aimed at restoring justice and rectifying the injustices inflicted upon the /Khomanins, including:

• Recognition of Internally Displaced Persons Status: The petition calls for the government to officially classify the /Khomanins as internally displaced persons, providing them with the full entitlements and benefits that accompany this designation.
• Creation of Communal Land: It urges the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with community representatives, to convene discussions on establishing communal land for the /Khomanins, ensuring prior informed consent.
• Expropriation of Ancestral Lands: The community demands that the government facilitate the expropriation of ancestral lands to allow for moral and just rehabilitation that meets international standards.

A Call for Action

The /Khomanins are not merely seeking dialogue; they are prepared to take action. The petition states a clear intention to occupy land affirmatively as a means of reclaiming their rights. Gariseb emphasizes that the time for passive petitions and diplomatic pleas has passed. Instead, the community intends to transition from diplomacy to radicalism, mobilizing all Namibians affected by land injustice to advocate collectively for their rights.

Furthermore, the petition highlights the urgent need for a moratorium on the current land reform program, which they argue has been manipulated to benefit tribal elites while sidelining the genuine needs of landless communities. The /Khomanins call for transparency regarding land acquisitions and clarity on the government’s commitment to addressing ancestral land claims.

The Broader Implications

This petition is not just about the /Khomanins; it speaks to a broader struggle for indigenous rights and justice in Namibia. The systemic issues of land dispossession affect many communities, and the call for equitable land reform resonates across various groups seeking recognition and restitution.

As the /Khomanins stand firm in their resolve, they invite all Namibians to join them in their fight for land rights and social justice. The message is clear: the plight of the landless cannot be ignored, and it is time for the government to take meaningful action to restore dignity and rights to those who have been marginalized for far too long.

Conclusion

The submission of this petition marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for land rights in Namibia. As the /Khomanins community rallies together to demand justice, their actions serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples. It is a call to action for all Namibians to stand in solidarity for a fair and just society.