Pohamba warns against tribalism and violence

PRESIDENT Hifikepunye Pohamba has warned Swapo supporters against tribalism. ‘Tribalism is the most dangerous thing. We should avoid it,’ Pohamba said when addressing a Swapo Party rally at Keetmanshoop on Saturday.

‘Let’s march in unity towards a landslide victory,’ Pohamba said, referring to the November 27 and 28 presidential and national elections. He said people should be aware of what tribalism can cause, citing tribal conflict in Rwanda and Somalia as example. According to Pohamba, tribal groups are calling themselves political parties. ‘One wonders what their aims are,’ he asked. Pohamba urged Swapo Party supporters to avoid violence during their political campaigns. ‘Yes, we are aware some people provoke violence. But do not react to violence. Your reaction should be to report to the Namibian Police,’ Pohamba said. He said all who had fought within the country and abroad to liberate the country were entitled to monthly N$2 000 grants as war veterans. Pohamba said the land question remained a challenge, but added that Government was committed to land reform.The President further warned Swapo supporters not to harbour criminals in their homes, saying women and girls lived in constant fear of becoming rape victims. Pohamba pledged that the Swapo Party would leave no stone unturned in the search for solutions to the challenges that face the people. ‘We will make the necessary budgetary allocations to bring development to our people and to realise their dreams. We will promote investment opportunities in our country and accelerate job creation through the promotion of value addition, manufacturing and the promotion of small and medium enterprises,’ said Pohamba. Pohamba also highlighted the achievements the Swapo-led Government had made in the health, tourism, education and agriculture sectors in the Karas Region, adding that Government would continue to build on the achievements it had made so far. luqman@namibian.com.na