WALVIS BAY – British High Commissioner to Namibia Charles Moore’s attendance at a dinner hosted by Walvis Bay mayor and deputy Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) leader Trevino Forbes has raised eyebrows, and sent tongues wagging.
This follows speculation about alleged support for the IPC from Britain.
When asked about the issue, Forbes told New Era that he “does not have time for propaganda used to taint a worthy cause”.
“We are busy with the election campaign. I am heading a very important office, and want to work for my people. The fundraiser was to raise money for the construction of the Narraville Youth Centre, as we need funds to make it a reality,” he stated. Forbes added that those with a hidden agenda will spread lies at every turn to get a negative reaction.
Responding to a question on Monday, Moore said his attendance should in no way be seen or interpreted as interference in Namibia’s internal democratic process.
“My attendance at the gala dinner was in support of the Walvis Bay mayoral fund, which the British High Commission has been proud to support for the past three years. This was a non-political, charity event to raise funds for the welfare of underprivileged communities in the Walvis Bay municipality, and in particular the construction of a new youth centre in Narraville,” he said.
The diplomat stated that the allegations of British interference in Namibia’s elections have been proven to be maliciously fabricated and circulated without any substance in truth. Such disinformation and those responsible for creating it should be given no credibility, he continued.
“I have not attended any political rallies or events during this election campaign. This was a charitable fundraising event, which was in no way affiliated with, hosted by, or held for the benefit of any individual political party. As such, indeed, I am proud to have supported this worthy charity for the past three years,” Moore said.
He went on to say he wholly rejects any suggestion that the British High Commission might try to influence the outcome of the elections.
Asked whether his attendance this year could potentially affect diplomatic relations between the UK and Namibia, he reasoned that it can in no way be interpreted as foreign interference in Namibia’s domestic affairs.
“Indeed, I would hope that my consistent support of such a worthy charity over three years would both underline and enhance the warm bilateral relationship that exists between Namibia and the UK,” he said.
Nothing wrong
Reacting to the development, political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah saw nothing amiss about the diplomat’s presence at the gala.
“There is nothing wrong with Moore attending the event, as that is part of his duties. However, the timing was wrong, given that his country has been linked to the IPC. But there is no more to it. The focus should be on the reason the gala dinner was held, and the fact that he was invited as a possible donor to the cause. There is no need for us as Namibians to debate it,” he said.
Smoke
However, former Walvis Bay councillor Romeo Goseb, who served on the ticket of the United Democratic Front, said this should not be taken lightly by Namibians.
“Where there is smoke, there is fire. We have seen foreign meddling in Africa, and the unrest in some countries. In some cases, developed countries assist opposition parties through covert means to unseat ruling regimes, and Namibia is no exception,” he asserted. Goseb said conversations around the IPC’s funding have been ongoing for some time, and cannot be taken at face value.
“The international relations [ministry] needs to call them to order, or seek an explanation as to what they are doing.
What role is he playing? Namibians overall should just have an open mind, think about foreign meddling and its repercussions, and take that into consideration when they vote,” he added.
The annual mayoral gala dinner took place on Saturday evening at the Walvis Bay Gymnasium private school, with a British-themed setting. It raised N$1 million.
Apart from the business community, only IPC councillors and Popular Democratic Movement councillor Richard Hoaeb attended the event.
The Swakopmund municipal council was represented by Swapo councillor Heinrich Hafeni. Those questioning Moore’s attendance said the timing of his presence was suspicious, given that Namibia is heading to the polls in just seven days.
This was Moore’s third attendance at the annual gala dinner. However, many in the political sphere felt that he should have sat this one out, given that his country has been accused of allegedly funding the IPC’s campaign.
Propaganda
The diplomat attended the gala just hours after IPC leader Panduleni Itula addressed a ‘Go Out and Vote’ campaign in Walvis Bay, where he denied links between his party and Britain.
During the campaign, he accused his political opponents of resorting to unethical tactics to tarnish his image and undermine the IPC’s credibility. He claimed smear campaigns were being launched, falsely linking the party to support from Britain.
“The smear campaigns will start. You are not safe. Watch out with whom you are. Watch out where you are. Stay at home from seven. Protect yourself and your integrity. It will get tough for me as well. They have already started with a smear campaign about so-called support from the British. They already started, even with so-called support from elsewhere,” Itula said.