Namibian leadership calls for Botswana–Namibia peace
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday June 18, 2024 11:53
The call follows the launch of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) between Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and Namibian Defence Force (NDF) that was held in Kasane and Katima Mulilo, Namibia respectively last week which aims to determine opportunities for humanitarian intervention to improve the livelihoods of the people living along the borderline and to fight cross-border crime. Despite the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two nations, communities living along the border, particularly in some parts of the Zambezi region and the Chobe District in Botswana, continue to face challenges related to their legal movement along the border to access shared natural and water resources. Back in 1992, there was a skirmish between Namibia and Botswana soldiers on Sedudu Island that was resolved by the International Court of Justice in favour of Botswana back in 1999. A few years ago residents of the Zambezi region protested against the Botswana government for what they deemed the BDF shoot-to-kill policy hostile. That was after three Namibian brothers and their cousin were shot dead by the BDF soldiers along the Chobe River but the two nation’s leaders ensured the situation was contained before it escalated. Despite these past disputes, Namibia remains home for Batswana something that was demonstrated by the hospitality received in Namibia last Friday as CIMIC was launched at Katima Mulilo Sport Stadium.
The hospitality was even cemented by a performance by the Luhonono Youth Cultural Group singing a song in which they asked what Batswana were doing in Namibia. The other replied, "They are here for us as two nations to live in peace and harmony," a performance that was welcomed with ululations. Speaking at the launch, Namibia’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi said the two countries have a unique relationship which is a result of their desire to be close to each other. He said Botswana gained independence before Namibia and Namibian people enjoyed overwhelming support from Botswana as it used to host freedom fighters from Namibia and South Africa. “Let this peace amongst us prevail. Your country has always been there for us, it is indeed a sisterly country and we must continue to tell this history despite some unfortunate incidences along our shared border,” Kapofi said.
“It is natural for family members to have differences sometimes. Batswana and Namibians have had their differences, too, sometimes resulting in lives lost.” He stated that the good thing that has always prevailed amidst those differences was that the two governments have always sought peaceful resolutions, including legal recourses. Kapofi said their differences have always revolved around activities taking place along the borderline, which isn't identifiable at some points. “Our two countries continue to face numerous challenges along our shared border and it is, however, disheartening that foreign nationals perpetrate those crimes, sometimes taking advantage of our people’s hospitality. “However, we hope that through this initiative we will be able to engage the communities living along the common border and stakeholders on the importance of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness. I urge all those who will be involved to educate our people on all aspects of the border and everything else incidental,” he said. Kapofi further pleaded with Namibians to familiarise themselves with borderlines even though some areas don't have marks. He stated that it isn't crossing the border that matters but the concern is the intention of crossing the border and one should be able to explain in order not to conflict with the law.
“This programme is meant to sensitise our people on what to be done, yes our borders are porous, poachers are passing through our borders and some of us are harbouring them. Those people are poaching Botswana animals and you should stop harbouring them,” he said. Giving remarks, the chairperson of the Ngambela forum, Albius Kamwi called for peace between the two nations as he believed the CIMIC initiative would enhance the wellbeing and security of their community and strengthen cooperation ties between the two states. “Our nations, Botswana and Namibia share a mutual desire to foster ties of cooperation and they come from our common history, shared values and the recognition that our future is intertwined. By working together we can address common challenges and ensure a safer and more prosperous region for all our people,” Kanwi said. He further urged the military personnel to continue demonstrating professionalism, compassion and respect in all their interaction with the community stating that their role isn't only to protect but also to serve and support the people.