Matheus David
The Editors’ Forum of Namibia (EFN) has come out swinging, condemning any act that seeks to intimidate, harass or obstruct journalists and media professionals in the lawful performance of their duties.
This followed the verbal abuse of a Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) news crew at the Swapo Party headquarters in Windhoek in a widely circulated video clip.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, when members of the Former Refugees Repatriation Association of Namibia (FRRAN) were seen and heard attacking the NBC journalists while they were carrying out their duties.
On the video by seen New Era, members were seen shouting and ordering the NBC media members to leave the place immediately. “They said NBC is the same as Swapo,” and they “do not want to be interviewed.”
“Next time when you come, you will leave with no cameras,” one member can be heard as saying.
Reacting, EFN chairperson Toivo Ndjebela said the incident was viewed with serious concern, stressing that any form of intimidation, harassment or obstruction of journalists is unacceptable.
“The media in Namibia plays a vital role in informing citizens, holding power to account, and facilitating open and accountable governance. Independent journalism is essential for public debate, civic engagement, and transparency.
The freedom of the press enables journalists to gather and disseminate information without fear or favour, thereby contributing to the nation’s social, political and economic development,” Ndjebela said.
The forum said such actions not only endanger media workers but also weaken the role of the media in a democratic society.
The organisation also reminded the public that Namibia’s Constitution protects freedom of expression, including freedom of the press. These rights, EFN said, are essential to democracy and must always be respected.
EFN called on political organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to engage with the media in a lawful and respectful manner. It said disagreements or criticism should be addressed through dialogue, not abuse or intimidation.
The forum further urged authorities to ensure the safety of journalists while they are covering events of public interest, warning that hostile behaviour towards the media can discourage journalists from doing their work freely.
Yesterday, a meeting between FRRAN and government representatives yielded no results.
The group also refuses to vacate the Swapo headquarters, where they have been camping since last year, demanding monies connected to the 1989 exile liberation veterans and refugees. The funds were purportedly given to Swapo for subsequent distribution to the veterans by the United Nations (UN).
However, Swapo says it has no records of such funds, while the UN maintains that there were no post-repatriation funds earmarked by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to be undistributed or available for any claim now.
– matheusshitongenidavid@gmail.com
