Namibian leader pushes for sanctions removal, regional unity

Kudakwashe Mugari in WINDHOEK,Namibia

Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to advocating for the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe and other nations.

In an interview at the State House, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said sanctions have hindered Zimbabwe’s economic growth and development for far too long.

“Sanctions against Zimbabwe, Cuba, and Venezuela must be lifted. There is no reason for keeping sanctions on Zimbabwe,” she said.

“Those sanctions are hurting us as a region.

“The issue of sanctions is a policy that Namibia will continue to pursue and we believe it is essential for promoting economic development and regional cooperation.”

Britain and its allies imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in response to the country’s successful land reform programme, aiming to suppress the voices of its people. For over two decades, these sanctions have inflicted harm on ordinary citizens.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah also delivered a strong message reiterating the importance of unity and cooperation between Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“In terms of Agriculture expertise my administration will tap from Zimbabwe. We have other bilateral policies between our countries. I have been to Zimbabwe several times as a minister and we have benefited a lot from the friendship.

“So the two countries are one,” she said.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah also emphasised the importance of regional solidarity, particularly in the face of attacks on revolutionary parties like SWAPO, ZANU-PF, and ANC, among others.

“We must work together to protect our revolutionary gains. It is true our parties are under attack from external forces. You can see from the results of elections in our region that we are under attack,” she said.

To maintain unity and achieve victory for the revolutionary party, President Nandi-Ndaitwah believes that implementing SADC programmes is essential.

“Developing regional value chains is essential for promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the well-being of our people,” she said.

“We must change our mindset and pour resources on value addition and beneficiation.”

President Nandi-Ndaitwah pointed to Europe’s specialised production model, where nations focus on manufacturing specific parts of a product. She stressed the need for a collaborative approach, urging a move away from monopolised production.