Voices of fear from Dukwi
Correspondent | Friday March 11, 2016 13:26
The Voices
“We would like to affirm that concerning the political situation, which made us to flee, nothing has changed. Many Caprivians lost their lives due to their political beliefs and opinions.
“In 2005 and 2008 respectively, Amnesty International reported of mass graves discovered in Western Caprivi and the Namibian government did not respond despite two extended deadlines.
“Be informed that the media in Namibia reported the secret plans by the Namibian government to send abductors aimed at assassinating certain individuals in the refugee camp. Such attempts are clear indications that Caprivians are going to go missing like many others whose graves cannot be traced.
“Caprivian people live in fear. They cannot express their feelings, their rights. In fact, their conscience are in prison.
“Why are we forced to return and forced to abandon our political opinions, for survival.”
Unnamed Refugee* says: “On December 28, 1998 I came to Botswana to look for protection as back home was not good for me to stay as I demanded the independence of my country, which I believe is my right to do so. My father was shot and killed at our place, which I saw as a danger to my life too. Then I decided to cross to Botswana”.
Bothman Ntesa: Had hoped that the Government of Botswana would assist them by engaging with the Namibian government to resolve their issue.
Claims that although they were expected to return to Namibia, some Caprivians, who had fled to Botswana, are being charged for having entered Botswana illegally.
Felix Kakula: Says the reason they are in Botswana is because the Namibian government used force on the Caprivi people instead of engaging in a dialogue with them. Says the Caprivi people are vulnerable, and that it was unfortunate that the government of Botswana was returning them, while there is still a problem at home. Claims refugees who returned continue to be persecuted; that the Namibian government agrees to accept them back as a ploy to arrest them. Says the refugees want dialogue towards independence of the Caprivi Strip and nothing else.
Masias Lutambo: Claims three of those who voluntarily repatriated last year have been arrested and some are on the wanted list. Says pressure has been applied on refugees to return.
The Demands
“The Namibian government must acknowledge the fact that we the Caprivians in Botswana are UDP (United Democratic Party) people. We left Caprivi as such and even now we are still the same, so they must be ready to accept us as such.”
“The Namibian government should un-ban our party, the UDP, to ensure our dignity and safe return.” “Must release all our fellow UDP members who were arrested in 1999 and 2000 and have been in prison for political opinion.”
“All Caprivians in exile must be allowed to return and no one subjected to harassment, torture, imprisonment or prosecution.”
“Caprivians to be allowed to pursue their political aspirations in their own way to determine their authority.”“Namibia should accept democratic approaches to Caprivi political problems, a referendum or dialogue.” *Name withheld