Swanu welcomes Nudo members, bolsters parliamentary presence

A faction of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) led by Barry Rukoro has joined the South West Africa National Union (Swanu) in a five-year partnership.

The partnership will allow Nudo members to go to parliament on Swanu’s ticket.

Swanu secretary general Wendy Christian yesterday told The Namibian that 60 Nudo members were issued Swanu membership cards.

“Talks had been going on for more than a month, and we concluded that yes, we agree on what they stand for, and what they want to take to parliament,” she said.

“According to the law, one cannot go to parliament unless we are members of a party. After these discussions concluded sometime last week, they applied for membership cards,” she added.

Christian said the members were signed on Monday after thorough consultation.

Nudo’s Benestus Uahupirapi says the two parties are bonded by a shared fight for ancestral land rights.

“This is a historic moment where we now become one. We are fighting for ancestral land and restorative justice,” he says.

At a press briefing held at Swanu’s headquarters in Windhoek yesterday, Rukoro said the partnership is a temporary measure.

“This partnership is not a departure from our commitment to Nudo, but rather a strategic move to ensure that our supporters and the principles we stand for remain represented in the National Assembly,” he said.

He said the group’s commitment to the long-term future of Nudo remains steadfast.

Meanwhile, Swanu former secretary general Issaskar Hiakaere says the party should not be taken for a ride.

“This is clear desperation of people who just want to rush to parliament. And if they want to rush to parliament at the expense of people, that is not acceptable at all. So, I am, therefore, disassociating myself from the entire Swanu and its leadership,” he says.

Swanu president Evalistus Kaarondo says the discussions the two parties shared included the issue of the genocide.

“Swanu supports the call, among other things, for the total rejection of the joint declaration between Namibia and the German government, at least in its current form,” he says.

“We also demand direct negotiations between the affected communities and the German government, with the Namibian government’s role limited to that of a facilitator, should it choose not to be a party of interest alongside the affected communities,” he says.