Shalli suspension ‘a bombshell’

THE suspension of the Chief of the Namibia Defence Force, Lieutenant General Martin Shalli, has been greeted with shock by political parties and members of the general public.

Apart from the ‘serious allegations of irregularities which must be thoroughly investigated’ against him, perceived connections to the RDP are also speculated to be among other contributing factors to the suspension. In opposition political circles the news was met with disbelief. ‘We will hold a meeting tomorrow (today) and then will probably make a joint statement,’ Henk Mudge, President of the Republican Party (RP), told The Namibian. ‘This is very serious,’ said Asser Mbai, MP of the Nudo party.Sources indicated that Shalli’s sudden suspension could spark ‘restlessness’ among the rank and file of the armed forces, and State Security is believed to be monitoring the situation closely.A source close to military circles indicated to The Namibian yesterday that there could be a political move behind the suspension.’The top military and other security forces are well aware of the internal frictions within Swapo and that those close to [former President Sam] Nujoma would like to tarnish the image of President Pohamba as Head of State by throwing spanners into the Government wheels,’ the source said. ‘Things have gone so far that some top brass in the uniformed forces have made it clear that they would not tolerate it should Pohamba not serve a second term,’ the well-placed source said.’The Shalli matter is only the tip of the iceberg – removing those critical of Nujoma and those who are loyal to Pohamba,’ the source claimed.Shalli was Army Commander and based at Grootfontein when he was posted to Zambia. It was speculated then that Nujoma and Shalli allegedly had differences.Approached for comment late yesterday, both the Defence Minister and the Minister in the Office of the President declined to comment on the suspension.Defence Minister Charles Namoloh politely responded ‘I have no comment’ to The Namibian.