There will be limited exemptions for senior government officials regarding international travel, allowing participation in select global engagements where Namibia’s presence is crucial, the Presidency said.

This follows President Nangolo Mbumba’s directive that ministers and their deputies should prioritise their domestic responsibilities as the country prepares for a new administration on 21 March.

The directive is essential to ensuring a smooth transition as Namibia undergoes an important democratic shift, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari said.

“For senior members of the Executive, it is occasioned by the fact that Namibia is going through a crucial period of democratic transition. A new government and administration will take over from the 21st of March, and the president saw it fit to direct that all the energies of senior members of the Executive are focused on domestic matters, such as the parliamentary sessions, and also the rounding off of administrative and executive functions,” Hengari stated.

He added that ministries and agencies are concluding their programmes, making it crucial to ensure that everything is in order for a seamless transition.

“Documents are prepared accordingly. Terminal reports on the activities and programmes of offices, ministries, and agencies are provided to ensure that the new president can hit the ground running on the first day. So these are the considerations,” Hengari noted.

While the directive is broadly applied, Hengari emphasised that exceptions exist, particularly where Namibia’s presence is crucial on the global stage.

“Of course, the directive of general application also has some exceptions, because Namibia is part of a global village. There are instances where the voice of Namibia should be heard at the highest level. So the President will take those decisions if and when such situations arise,” he said.

“We have missions in a number of countries, about 34 missions across the globe. They can represent the Namibian government. It doesn’t mean that our voice is completely cut off. We have those missions, ambassadors, and commissioners who represent Namibia,” he said, adding that Mbumba will still attend critical summits where Namibia’s interests are at stake.

“The President will participate in the African Union Summit in Zimbabwe. The President may participate in a SADC summit that will consider the peace and security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo because these are matters that have an impact on the neighbourhood. Namibia is committed to a peaceful neighbourhood because it is in our national interest of development and economic prosperity,” said Hengari.

-ljason@nepc.com.na