How the Namibian refugees came to be in Botswana

Geoffrey Mwilima was also left with scars after an assault by government forces in the aftermath of the 1999 assault
Geoffrey Mwilima was also left with scars after an assault by government forces in the aftermath of the 1999 assault

Two years ago, a group of the Namibians at Dukwi Refugee Camp opened up to Mmegi Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI about how they escaped from heated conflict in the Caprivi Strip in 1999, crossed the treacherous Okavango area and arrived in Botswana

Tensions had long been rising. The inhabitants of a 20-kilometre wide and 400 kilometre-long piece of paradise nestled amongst the Zambezi, Chobe, Linyanti and Okavango rivers said they were being brutally oppressed.

The Caprivi Strip wanted to be free of Namibia and residents were willing to use force to extricate themselves from “Big Brother’s” grip. The popular secessionist party in the region, the United Democratic Party (UDP) had formed a militant wing, the Caprivi Liberation Army (CLA).

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up