Kuzeeko Tjitemisa
Windhoek
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reiterated Namibia’s stance on Western Sahara, saying the Sahrawi people have the right to self-determination and independence.
Speaking in parliament last week, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the admission of the Kingdom of Morocco into the African Union (AU) does not in anyway change Namibia’s position on the right to self-determination of nations, as enshrined in constitutive act of the AU.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also the deputy prime minister, said Namibia expects the Kingdom of Morocco as a member of the AU to fully comply with the principles, values and obligations enshrined in the constitutive act of the AU and relevant United Nations resolutions.
“We call on Morocco and Western Sahara, as members of one family, to commit themselves to reaching a peaceful settlement,” she said, adding that Namibia stands ready to work with both parties to find a lasting solution.
Further, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia would continue to play its part in SADC activities, including in peace and security. “In strengthening democracy in the region, Namibia will participate in SADC election observer missions in Angola, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she confirmed.
On the outcome of the AU Assembly earlier this year, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia remains committed to the full implementation of Agenda 2063.
“At the 4th African Union Executive Council retreat held in May 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya I was honoured to be elected as chair of the AU ministerial follow-up committee on the implementation of Agenda 2063,” she said.
She added that as member of the AU committee of ten heads of state (C-10) on the reform of the United Nations Security Council, Namibia would continue to participate fully in the activities of the C10.
Similarly, she said Namibia would also continue to participate in the activities of the UN, especially the General Assembly, to promote international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, gender equality and address the adverse effects of climate change.
She said Namibia serves as a member of the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology and pursues international nuclear disarmament.
“Nuclear technology and security are an important pillar of international relations,” she said, adding that as the fourth largest producer of uranium in the world, the ministry will increase efforts to position Namibia to adequately benefit from its natural resources and nuclear technology.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, the ministry will also continue to facilitate and monitor Namibia’s compliance with international law and multilateral treaty obligations, to which Namibia is a signatory.