Presidency Dismisses Claims of Secret Ambassadorial Appointments
By TUW
The Presidency has moved to clear the air following public speculation that the redeployment and appointment of Namibia’s Heads of Mission were handled discreetly and without transparency. Authorities say such claims are inaccurate and fail to reflect established diplomatic procedures.
In an official clarification, the Presidency explained that ambassadors are commissioned once and may later be reassigned to other diplomatic posts as part of normal foreign service practice. These redeployments can occur either immediately or after the diplomats return home for administrative processes.
The Presidency further noted that diplomatic formalities differ across host countries. While some Heads of Mission have already completed the presentation of their Letters of Credence, others are still in the process of receiving agrément or finalising protocol requirements. For this reason, government opted to make a consolidated announcement once the process had reached an advanced stage.
Officials also pointed out that several diplomats have already publicly documented their engagements — including credential presentations — through official platforms and social media. This, the Presidency said, demonstrates that the appointments were neither hidden nor deliberately withheld from the public.
The statement concludes by releasing the full list of redeployed and newly appointed Heads of Mission as follows:
Redeployed and Newly Appointed Heads of Mission
- Algeria: Amb. Samuel Mbambo
- Angola: Amb. Leonard Iipumbu
- Belgium: Dr. Alfredo Tjiurimo Hengari
- China: Amb. Tonata Emvula
- Republic of Congo: Amb. Hopelong Iipinge
- Cuba: Amb. Lebbius Tobias
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Amb. Sipapele C. Sipapele
- Egypt: Mr. Weich M. U. Mupya
- Finland: Amb. Benjamin Kandanga
- France: Amb. Sabine Böhlke-Moller
- Germany: Amb. Jerobeam Shaanika
- Ghana: Ms. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata
- Japan: Ms. Rosina Hoabes
- New York: Amb. Penda Naanda
- Nigeria: Mr. Walde N. Ndevasiya
- Russia: Amb. Monica N. Nashandi
- South Africa: High Commissioner Frieda Ithete
- Switzerland: Amb. Elvis T. Shiweda
- Sweden: Amb. Sophia K. K. Nangula
- Tanzania: High Commissioner Sinimbo
- United Kingdom: Amb. Veiccoh Nghiwete
- Washington: Amb. Wilbard S. M. Hellao
- Zambia: Mr. Goms Menette
- Zimbabwe: Mr. David Thomas
The Presidency reiterated that the redeployments follow standard diplomatic practice and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the conduct of Namibia’s foreign relations.
