Nudo secretary general Joseph Uapingene faces party probe over genocide negotiations role
Joseph Uapingene, the secretary general of the National Unity Democratic Organisation Nudo, is set to appear before a party committee. This follows his appointment to the government鈥檚 genocide negotiations committee without Nudo's approval. Uapingene's appointment is linked to the Ovaherero Traditional Authority faction led by chief paramount Hoze Riruako. Nudo president Peter Kazongominja stated that the party did not nominate Uapingene for this role and is forming a committee to engage him before taking an official stance. Kazongominja indicated that Uapingene must choose between his role as Nudo secretary general and his position on the genocide committee. Nudo maintains that the German government must acknowledge the genocide and that negotiations should involve affected descendants and both governments, demanding just reparations. Uapingene, however, sees no issue with his appointment, arguing it aligns with Nudo's demand for direct community participation in negotiations and offers an opportunity to push for reparations. He also questioned why Nudo did not join the Landless People鈥檚 Movement in challenging the joint declaration in court. Separately, Nudo has postponed its elective congress to between early July and the end of October 2027, to ensure compliance with a 2025 High Court settlement that resolved a leadership dispute and to reconcile members before the congress.
