Veterans’ Protest Falls Outside UN Mandate, Says Resident Coordinator
By TUW
The ongoing protest by former liberation struggle veterans outside the SWAPO Party’s national headquarters has been described by the United Nations as an issue that no longer involves the international body.
During the meeting held today, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Namibia, Hopolang Phororo, said that the UN concluded its role in matters relating to assistance provided to ex-combatants at the time of Namibia’s independence, stressing that the organisation’s mandate on the issue has long since expired.
Phororo explained that the UN previously engaged both the Namibian government and representatives of the affected group, ensuring that all donor-funded support intended for returning exiles and veterans was properly distributed and accounted for.
She further noted that all files, processes and reporting related to that assistance were formally closed once the required obligations were fulfilled, adding that the matter is considered resolved from the UN’s perspective more than three decades later.
Despite this position, the group of veterans has continued to camp at the ruling party’s headquarters since 2025, demanding clarity over benefits, recognition and grievances linked to the post-independence demobilisation and reintegration process.
Meanwhile, the veterans insisting that outstanding issues remain unresolved multiple engagements with authorities over the years.
Phororo reiterated that any remaining or related concerns now fall entirely under the jurisdiction of the Namibian government, as the UN’s involvement ended once its assistance commitments were completed.
Veterans expressed dissatisfaction and vowed to continue their demonstration at Swapo headquarters. Association president Mateus Nangolo said the group would seek an audience with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, with a meeting expected next month.
He said many returnees continue to suffer due to inadequate rehabilitation and housing, and that the group also plans to send representatives to Geneva for a meeting at the UNHCR headquarters.
