UN slave trade resolution bolsters Namibian calls for colonial-era reparations
via The Namibian5 min read
A United Nations resolution, adopted on March 25 with 123 votes in favor, recognizes the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. This resolution has strengthened calls in Namibia for justice regarding colonial-era genocide and reparations. Local experts, such as Kletus Likuwa, a senior researcher at the University of Namibia, highlight the significance of this vote for Namibia and Angola, particularly for communities along their border affected by slave trading between 1890 and 1920. Likuwa emphasizes that the UN General Assembly's decision signals a global desire for restorative justice for injustices against African countries, noting that the slave trade contributed to Africa's underdevelopment. He believes the vote should pressure countries like Germany to reconsider their response to demands from Namibians affected by the 1904 to 1908 genocide. Joshua Kaumbi, a legal adviser at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, states that the genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama was rooted in ideas established through the slave trade, which dehumanized Africans and laid the groundwork for enslavement, dispossession, and genocide. Although UN General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, Kaumbi hopes this vote will strengthen calls for apology, restitution, property return, and guarantees of non-repetition, potentially leading to a Namibian-sponsored resolution on genocide in the General Assembly.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Nudo parliamentarian Vetaruhe Kandorozu raised concerns in the National Assembly regarding the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy's capacity to safeguard Namibia's economic interests. Addressing industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse, Kandorozu alleged that the ministry has become a "breeding ground for corruption," citing questionable diamond valuation contracts, improperly awarded lithium exclusive prospecting licences EPLs, and biased processing of petroleum exploration licences PELs. He called for the removal of corrupt elements and a review of existing laws to close loopholes. Kandorozu also mentioned "explosive revelations" in a dispute involving the ministry and Red Soil Energy and Mineral Exploration, which he claims expose deep-seated corruption within the Directorate of Petroleum Affairs, spanning multiple administrations. He warned that this system has previously undermined political appointees and could continue to do so. Kandorozu also reflected on president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s efforts to move the petroleum affairs directorate to the Presidency, suggesting recent revelations might justify this approach despite his reservations about shifting powers away from parliamentary oversight.
Must ReadThe Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has confirmed that the USS George HW Bush CVN-77, a United States nuclear-powered super aircraft carrier, is currently transiting offshore of Namibia’s exclusive economic zone. Ministry spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu stated that the vessel has not entered Namibia’s territorial waters and is operating under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Unclos, which guarantees freedom of navigation. Shilumbu also clarified that a vessel of this nature does not require refuelling at Walvis Bay due to its operational capabilities. The Namibian Ports Authority is aware of the vessel and awaits guidance from the Ministry of Works and Transport. The carrier, deployed in late March, is sailing off Namibia as part of a route around Africa, reportedly to avoid the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, areas that have seen increased activity, including drone and missile attacks on US and commercial shipping.
Must ReadDuring bail proceedings at the Ondangwa Regional Court, Petrus Shikwaya, 21, implicated several relatives in a N$1.9 million Sanlam fraud case, with over N$1 million allegedly channeled into his business bank account. State prosecutor Yeukai Kangira detailed financial transactions, including N$450,000 received through Israel Shikongo and N$253,000 paid on behalf of Abner Samuel, both Shikwaya's uncles. Shikongo is also the brother of Abner Mateus, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Justine Shiweda, who was shot and attacked with a corrosive substance on October 17 last year and died earlier this year. Kangira stated that N$40,000 from the N$253,000 was used to buy a second-hand car for an earlier planned attack on Shiweda. Additional funds of N$154,000 were deposited into Shikwaya's account under the guise of a false hospitalization claim. The state linked these to a broader N$1.2 million fraud scheme from Sanlam Namibia, reportedly connected to Claudia Martin, and other smaller fraudulent claims. Shikwaya denied knowledge of these individuals and funds, claiming his uncle Mateus controlled such transactions. He stated he bought the vehicle on Abner Samuel's instruction for a Yango business and handed it to Petrus Uusiku, another murder suspect. Shikwaya admitted Mateus asked him to transfer money for acid used in the attack but denied involvement in planning the murder. He pleaded not guilty to murder, fraud, and corruption charges, arguing for bail to pursue studie
Must ReadFourteen individuals and six corporate entities, including former Namcor managing director Imms Mulunga, pleaded not guilty to 75 charges of fraud and corruption in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court. The accused did not provide plea explanations. The case has been postponed to October 28 for the prosecutor general to decide on the prosecution. The charges include fraud, corruptly using an office or position for gratification, corruptly accepting gratification, money laundering, and failure to pay tax. Mulunga, along with former Namcor managers Cedric Willemse, Jennifer Hamukwaya, and Olivia Dunaiski, face a fraud charge involving N$53.2 million. This relates to the alleged fraudulent purchase of nine filling stations at Namibian Defence Force bases from Enercon Namibia by Namcor Trading and Distribution in July 2022. The state alleges that bribes were paid to Namcor credit committee members for approving this transaction. Mulunga is also accused of corruptly receiving an Audi Q8 vehicle, valued at approximately N$3.2 million, in August 2022, allegedly as a reward for facilitating the Enercon filling station transaction and fuel supply. Additionally, Mulunga, Willemse, Hamukwaya, and Dunaiski face a second fraud charge for allegedly allowing fuel to be supplied to Enercon, Erongo Petroleum, and Eco Trading beyond their credit limits, resulting in an alleged N$331 million loss for Namcor Trading and Distribution. Willemse faces charges of corruptly accepting gratification, includ