Detainees Still Await Apology

THE events that took place in the dungeons of Lubango during the late eighties when more than 2000 Namibians were tortured/vanished at the hands of their own compatriots are known to all.

Indeed a sad chapter in the history of Namibia that could have been history by now. The cries of the offended ones begging daily for the restoration of their dignity by a mere apology are still loud and clear – yet ignored by all means for reasons not known.Being a sovereign state, we never opted for the truth and reconciliation path, but instead chose our own way of reconciliation.During the last 15 years we have experienced some progress as well as some setbacks in some sectors by elements who, contrary to “this policy”, were trying to jeopardise it.In practice, a policy without any guidelines remains vague as long as how/who/when or what should be done and by whom is not clearly stipulated.Under those conditions it is generally accepted that people should just forget what happened and continue with a new chapter.Surely a new horizon lies ahead for all of us should we remain on track with our commitment towards making this dream a reality.We have recently witnessed the head of state, President Pohamba, extending his hand of friendship to the Dutch reformed church, truly a sure sign of reconciliation.The BWS also extended a request for an audience to the ruling party Swapo – please accommodate their humble plea in the name of reconciliation.Why shy away from them and till when? Do we expect our children to grow up with the same bitterness as their parents? Are we serious about what we are preaching? We have nothing to lose.Let us extend our hands even to those who’ve wronged us.We humbly appeal to the CCN of Namibia to help relieve the burdens of its members as they also belong to the body of Christ.(1 Cor 12:26) As Christians in this country, we keep on praying that Christ’s love draws us nearer to Him and towards one another.Anon Via e-mailThe cries of the offended ones begging daily for the restoration of their dignity by a mere apology are still loud and clear – yet ignored by all means for reasons not known.Being a sovereign state, we never opted for the truth and reconciliation path, but instead chose our own way of reconciliation.During the last 15 years we have experienced some progress as well as some setbacks in some sectors by elements who, contrary to “this policy”, were trying to jeopardise it.In practice, a policy without any guidelines remains vague as long as how/who/when or what should be done and by whom is not clearly stipulated.Under those conditions it is generally accepted that people should just forget what happened and continue with a new chapter.Surely a new horizon lies ahead for all of us should we remain on track with our commitment towards making this dream a reality.We have recently witnessed the head of state, President Pohamba, extending his hand of friendship to the Dutch reformed church, truly a sure sign of reconciliation.The BWS also extended a request for an audience to the ruling party Swapo – please accommodate their humble plea in the name of reconciliation.Why shy away from them and till when? Do we expect our children to grow up with the same bitterness as their parents? Are we serious about what we are preaching? We have nothing to lose.Let us extend our hands even to those who’ve wronged us.We humbly appeal to the CCN of Namibia to help relieve the burdens of its members as they also belong to the body of Christ.(1 Cor 12:26) As Christians in this country, we keep on praying that Christ’s love draws us nearer to Him and towards one another.Anon Via e-mail