Iuze Mukube

The ruling Swapo is seeking an eviction order declaring the occupation of its Windhoek headquarters and the adjacent pavement by expatriated war veterans as unlawful.

In court documents, the party also wants the to interdict and restrain the respondents from interfering with their peaceful occupation and use of their property.

Additionally, Swapo is requesting that the veterans immediately remove their camping equipment and vacate the area.

In the event the veterans refuse to do so, the Namibian Police and the Deputy Sheriff of Windhoek should be authorised to enforce their removal and all their camping materials, and prevent them from further occupation.

Swapo further wants an interim order for the immediate removal of the respondents pending the finalisation of the matter.

Cited on the respondent’s side are Joseph David Iipinge Amutenya, all demonstrators camping at the headquarters, and the Municipal Council of Windhoek.

The matter stems from Namibian veterans, who were repatriated from exile in 1989 and who set up camp outside the party’s headquarters demanding the immediate release of funds and benefits purportedly promised to them more than three decades ago. The veteran’s demonstration began last year on 22 October.

They have since refused to vacate until their demands are met.

Their concerns are centred around the 1989 liberation struggle, with specific allegations regarding funds purportedly allocated to Swapo by the United Nations meant for the citizens who were in exile during the national liberation struggle.

The party argues that the respondents never disclosed where they heard about the existence of funds allegedly given to it by the UN. It argues further that their camping is unlawful, as they never gained prior permission to do so.

The party also says that in a meeting held in January with the veterans, after they disclosed their concerns, were informed that given the time that has lapsed and the steps taken to close the programme, the matter was considered closed from the UN perspective.

A notice was then handed to the veterans to vacate the area on 18 January 2026 and another eviction notice on 17 February 2026, but the ex-combatants refused to vacate the area.

It further argues that the continued occupation, which is now coupled with unhealthy living conditions, daily insults on site and on social media, and the security risks posed to personnel and property, prompted the party to approach the court on an urgent basis.

However, the respondents, under the leadership of Iipinge, argue that the party’s headquarters is on municipal land and not private property.

They argue that they will not vacate the site until they receive a proper explanation of how the N$21.7 million allocated for their reintegration was managed.

The matter will be back in court on 27 March 2026.

–mukubeiuze@gmail.com