WINDHOEK – Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga says Namibian police officers on a peace-keeping mission in Liberia, which is affected by the deadly Ebola virus, are safe.
“They are safe. We are keeping an eye on them. At the moment there is only one officer in Liberia. There were two but one is here in Namibia, he came for the holidays but will be going back soon. But they are safe,” he said.
In an interview with New Era this week, Ndeitunga revealed that the two police officers in Liberia are awaiting to complete their mission before returning home.
Namibia has about 38 police officers in Dafur, nine in South Sudan, two in Liberia, while 39 have been sent to act as a contingent observer team in the politically unstable Lesotho.
Thus far the deadly Ebola virus has killed more than 3 400 people in West Africa, with more than 7 400 suspected, probable and confirmed cases.
The virus is transmitted through close and direct physical contact with infected bodily fluids, the most infectious being blood, faeces and vomit. The incubation period, from the time of infection to symptoms, is two to 21 days.
“All men and women in uniform are doing exceptionally well with high morale in fulfilling their international obligations. Namibia is proud to have sent these contingent observer teams to keep and promote peace, stability and tranquillity in those countries with conflicts,” Ndeitunga remarked.
Further, he said Namibia is happy to be ploughing back to other nations as it also enjoyed international solidarity from other peace-loving nations.
Besides the team in the Ebola-infected Liberia, Ndeitunga reported that all those sent on contingent observer missions are thus far safe as well.
Last month, Namibia sent the 39 police officers to act as a contingent observer team in Lesotho. Oshikoto Regional Commander, Commissioner Anne-Marie Nainda leads the team of police officers.
Ndeitunga said if the political unrest in Lesotho does not return to normal within three months, then there will an extension to their stay in that country.
The deployment forms part of meeting a resolution after the Lesotho coalition government leaders agreed on a roadmap with clear timelines on removing parliament’s prorogation, which started in June.