The ministry of home affairs has denied allegations that it has issued identification documents to Angolan citizens in an attempt to increase the votes for Swapo during the 2024 presidential and national assembly elections. 

Para Portuguese, an Angola-based newspaper, published an article, titled ‘Registration of Angolans nationals may backfire’.

In their article, the self-proclaimed autonomous newspaper claims that Namibian officials crossed the border into Angola, where they issued Namibian identity documents to Angolan nationals in Ondjiva. 

This registration allegedly took place at the Tuviticha building last month.  “Social media indicates there are angry people from various opposition parties in Namibia after hearing this news. 

This decision by the Namibian authorities to allow Angolan nationals to be given Namibian identity documents may strain our economy. It is an organised corruption. Namibia might become poor and will not be able to help its own citizens if this plan is not put to a permanent halt [sic],” reads the article. 

However, according to a press release issued by the executive director of home affairs Etienne Maritz, his ministry did not delegate or authorise any official to carry out identity registration or issue identity documents to people beyond the borders of Namibia.

“The information in the article is sensational, false, misleading and malicious. The ministry wants to put it on record that the issuance of national documents is the sole mandate of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, and it is done within the applicable laws. Namibian national identity documents are only issued to Namibian citizens and permanent residents,” said Maritz. 

According to Maritz, his ministry regards the article as mere propaganda, aimed at spreading false information with the sole purpose of causing confusion and discontent among the citizens of Namibia. 

Maritz cautioned members of the public to be vigilant and to “not entertain these kinds of misleading reports”. 

He added that the ministry of home affairs is fully committed to complying with the requirements of the Namibian Constitution and all other Namibian laws governing the administration of civil registration matters.

Caption:

False… Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security executive director Etienne Maritz.

Photo: Nampa