WALVIS BAY – Palestinian ambassador to Namibia, Hanan Na’eem Ameen Jarrar, has praised Namibia for denying the MV Kathrin, a vessel allegedly carrying Israeli weapons, entry into Namibia.
Over a week ago, justice minister Yvonne Dausab instructed the Namibian Ports Authority to prevent the vessel from entering Namibian waters.
The bold move by Namibia has since been lauded.
Jarrar, who responded to questions from us last week, expressed her government’s appreciation, saying it was a remarkable act of solidarity from the Namibian government and its people. “By refusing to allow the MV Kathrin to dock at Walvis Bay, Namibia has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, and its principled stand against injustice. This decision is more than just a refusal; it is a powerful message to the world that Namibia will not be complicit in the ongoing occupation, and the genocidal war waged by Israel against the Palestinian people,” Jarrar said.
She further acknowledged the pivotal role played by Dausab in the decisive action taken by the government, adding that her leadership in preventing the docking of a vessel suspected of carrying munitions intended for the continued wanton bombardment and oppression of her people is a profound affirmation of Namibia’s commitment to international law, human rights and the prevention of genocide.
“This act resonates deeply with us, particularly at a time when the atrocities in Gaza continue unabated, and the global conscience demands action. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Namibian civil society, human rights organisations, activists and the media who played a critical role in ensuring that this ship was turned away,” the ambassador said.
According to reports, the MV Kathrin was en route from Vietnam.
It was established by authorities that the vessel was carrying weapons for Israel to be used in its genocidal war in the Gaza Strip when Dausab made the call to block its entry to the Walvis Bay harbour.
Dausab at the time said the decision aligns with Namibia’s stance on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, reflecting the country’s support for Palestine, and its call for an end to the violence.
“Upon receiving reports that the vessel may be carrying weapons intended for Israel, I addressed a letter to Cabinet, the international relations ministry, the works ministry, as well as the safety and security ministry, advising and reminding them of Namibia’s international obligations, not only under the Genocide Convention but also as articulated in the recent advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“It is against this background that I requested the relevant authorities not to allow the vessel MV Kathrin to dock at the Walvis Bay port,” she said.
The minister further stated that upon further investigation by the Namibian Police, it was established that the vessel was indeed carrying explosive material destined for Israel, and was prohibited from entering Namibian waters, “which complies with our obligation not to support or be complicit in Israeli war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, as well as its unlawful occupation of Palestine.”
Furthermore, the Palestinian diplomat said the decision made by Namibia is not an isolated gesture but represents a broader reflection of Namibia’s longstanding support for justice, freedom, and human dignity.
“The act of solidarity gives hope to the Palestinian people, while the solidarity expressed through it reinforces her people’s resolve in their ongoing struggle for liberation.
“It reaffirms that we are not standing alone in the face of the ongoing brutality, and serves as a reminder that the world is watching, and that there are those who stand with us in our pursuit of a just and peaceful future. Namibia’s courage and conviction inspire us to continue advocating for our freedom, our rights, and our dignity,” she said.
Jarrar, in addition to Dausab, singled out notable individuals, including Gladice Pickering, the executive director of the justice ministry; former prime minister Nahas Angula; human rights activist and lawyer Uno Katjipuka-Sibolile; clinical psychologist Shaun Whittaker; media personality Norah Appolus; and Namibian lawyer Penny Uukunde and Economic and Social Justice Trust (ESJT) chairperson Herbert
Jauch.
They have continuously raised their voices against the ongoing violence against Palestine.
Jarrar said their support exemplifies the deep bonds of solidarity between our nations, bonds forged in the shared fight against colonialism, apartheid and all forms of oppression”.
Appolus also applauded the decision made by Dausab, stating that it is a major victory for the people of Palestine, and for those who stand in solidarity with Palestine against what she termed a “genocidal, Zionist, apartheid regime in Tel Aviv”.
“The action by our minister and, by extension, the Namibian government, once again shows that our leaders are taking the lead in the fight against oppression, occupation and genocide! We would just like to appeal to all justice-loving Namibians who stand against oppression and the deliberate killing of innocent children to support the Palestinian cause,” she appealed.