A National Unity Democratic Organisation breakaway faction led by Barry Rukoro last week issued a rallying call for Namibians to unite for a better future.
Joined by Swanu president Evalistus Kaaronda at a coalition rally held in Gam in the Otjozondjupa region, he emphasised the painful history as many Namibians still carry the legacy of land dispossession, genocide and economic exclusion.
He called for true justice for the Ovaherero and Nama, demanding reparations from Germany that go beyond apologies.
“It is not enough for Germany to simply say sorry. What was taken must be returned, and real reparations must be made,” he asserted, condemning what he sees as a lack of meaningful action from both the German and the Namibian governments.
He also questioned the Namibian government’s role in these discussions, insisting that only those who endured the suffering have the right to speak for themselves.
“Namibia is broke because corruption has reached an unprecedented level,” he said, pledging to hold accountable those who enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens.
On his part, Kaaronda said the ongoing talks between Namibia and Germany over reparations are inadequate as they failed the affected communities.
He warned the German government that if President Nangolo Mbumba goes forward with the Joint Declaration Agreement without the communities’ consent, it would be seen as a declaration of war.
“If he chooses war, war he shall get,” Kaaronda declared.
At the heart of his message was the call for land reform.
“If you have lost land and suffered, you cannot vote for leaders who sit on that very land,” Rukoro continued, urging voters to choose leaders who understand the significance of ancestral land.
The alliance proposed fair redistribution to return stolen land to its rightful owners, who they argued should have the chance to reclaim their heritage.
Beyond land, they also took aim at the exploitation of Namibia’s mineral and marine resources.
“No longer should Namibia’s wealth be flowing out of our borders while our people struggle,” they said, calling for a fair share of the country’s natural riches.
The breakaway Nudo leader also spoke about the hardships facing farmers and rural communities, who suffer from frequent droughts. He proposed solutions like growing drought-resistant crops, improved irrigation and financial support, promising that “our farmers, the backbone of this country, will not be left behind.”
For Namibia’s youth, particularly those in sport, they offered a message of hope.
“This government has let you down for far too long,” Rukoro said, criticising the lack of investment in sport. He pledged to build new sports facilities, repair existing ones, and push for better support for athletes so they can represent Namibia proudly and without shame.
“Together, we can build a Namibia where everyone benefits from our land, resources and opportunities. The time for change is now. Let’s make it happen,” the former football administrator said.
Kaaronda urged Namibians to unite against years of inequality, economic exclusion, and division.
He condemned what he called the deliberate divisions within Namibian society.
“They have tribalised every aspect of our social lines,” Kaaronda said, describing how the marginalisation of communities has led to the formation of tribal political parties.
He explained that communities have “discovered the best way to defend themselves is to regroup along the lines of people with common interests.”
Kaaronda said the only way forward is through having a government that serves all Namibians equally, rather than enriching a select few.