Namibie : Namibian union leader concerned about his safety

NamRights is gravely alarmed by what appears to be a well-coordinated and systematic spate of politically motivated witch-hunts as well as a reign of terror lately directed against National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) Secretary General, Evilastus Kaaronda.

In recent months and weeks, Kaaronda had received death threats presumably coming from some of his NUNW colleagues and or ruling SWAPO Party associates after he had taken a definite and clear stand against instances of corruption and mismanagement in the public service.

“As a principal human rights organization in this country, we are deeply concerned, and we can no longer stand idly by without pronouncing ourselves publicly on this matter. Specifically, we are concerned about Kaaronda’s personal security, seeing that he had allegedly received death threats from some of his NUNW colleagues and or SWAPO Party political associates. Some of us have already been made to travel down this path and, hence, we know first-hand how it feels and what might happen when you stand up and be counted for what you truly believe is the right thing to do”, said NamRights executive director, Phil ya Nangoloh.

In a lead article this morning, the State-funded New Era newspaper reported that NUNW President, Elia Manga, had issued Kaaronda an “ultimatum” to “immediately” abort his official overseas’ trip to Geneva or face suspension as NUNW Secretary General. According to the newspaper, this is the second time, in recent months, that an attempt had been made to suspend Kaaronda.

“Kaaronda has become a target of animosity and witch-hunt soon after he had stood up against corruption, in general, and, in particular, the financial scam involving the State pension fund, in which very highly placed persons in the echelons of the Namibian Government are said to be deeply involved. Now he is a real and clear target of a tyrannical and fascistic cabal, which is using every opportunity to bring about his sudden downfall, ratione personae and or ratione materiae”, added ya Nangoloh.

NamRights urges the Inspector General of the Namibian Police to launch a through investigation into the alleged death and any other threats to Kaaronda’s right to life, liberty and security of person.