In less than a month, on 2 August 2025 to be precise, it will be 26 years since a secession attempt was launched on Katima Mulilo. On that fateful night, the residents of the town of Katima Mulilo, located on Namibia’s most north-eastern tip, went to bed like any other day. The toll of the day’s toiling had worn most of them down and a peaceful night beckoned ahead for their tired bodies and minds.
But in the mid of their sleep, the length and breadth of Katima Mulilo was shaken at its foundation. An attack on the town’s police station and the NBC offices among others, rattled the town. The attack was by a group of people – themselves residents of the great Caprivi region as it was known then – who had a different view on life in this beautiful town. For them, Caprivi was a country on its own and it needed to be restored as such.
The mission failed dismally. Instead, unity and ubuntu won. A nation was saved; Namibia prevailed. Around 40 000 inhabitants calling Katima Mulilo – and by extension Namibia – home, were spared the agony of displacement resulting from civil unrest.
When one ponders on this, it perplexes the mind why someone would harbour thoughts of dividing this perfectly balanced and great country of God. The late liberation struggle hero, Jackson Muningandu Kaujeua was perhaps one of the most eloquent praise singers of the beauty and diversity of Namibia as he so perfectly eulogised it in his songs.
The lyrics in some of his popular songs speak volumes. In one song he noted “…Ajehe omahi, nunguari ka Namibia (“…there is no place/country like Namibia…”); while in another he stated “…Independence or death, we shall win…” signalling the love he had for his dear motherland.
From all corners of this great country, Namibia just continues giving. Katima Mulilo itself, capital of the Zambezi region as it was renamed, is set amid lush vegetation on the banks of the Zambezi River. The town’s strategic location placed it as a perfect commercial hub connecting Namibia to other southern African countries. The Zambezi region offers visitors unique natural beauty and boundless fauna and flora. Simply put, it is a tourist hub as much as it’s a commercial gateway to the rest of Africa.
Gobabis, a farming hub located several hundred kilometres from Katima Mulilo adds to the uniqueness of this great country. Here, livestock farming is prime. Most of the beef from these cattle finds itself across African borders into Europe. Omaheke, the region hosting Gobabis connects Namibia to most of its landlocked neighbours.
Behold, the wonder of creation that is Namibia. The Erongo region in western Namibia, where the desert meets the sea, holds the key to some of the country’s vital industries. Fishing, mining and logistics sectors are some of the industries making this region all important to the country.
The arid and savannah land of the south has a trick up its sleeves too; rich mineral deposits and serving as a gateway to Namibia’s largest trading partner – South Africa, are among the unique attributes of the great //Kharas region.
The rolling hills and valleys of Kaokoland holds secrets that are only uncovered by those daring to visit this picturesque Kunene region. A special blend of cultural tourism has drawn visitors from far and wide.
All in all, we have a gem called Namibia and any attempt to divide it would therefore be counter-productive. Embrace it, appreciate it. It belongs to us all.