Swapo, UN Engage Liberation Veterans Over 1989 Repatriation Claims
By TUW
Efforts to resolve long-standing grievances by liberation struggle veterans take place today as Swapo Party officials met with representatives of the United Nations at the party’s national headquarters.
The discussions are intended to address concerns raised by liberation veterans who argue that they are owed compensation connected to the 1989 repatriation of war veterans. The group has maintained a camp at the Swapo Party headquarters since 2025, insisting that funds meant for their benefit were handed to the ruling party and have yet to be accounted for.
Swapo Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa said an internal review of the party’s income and expenditure records, including those from the tenure of her predecessors, found no internal evidence to substantiate the claims made by the veterans.
She explained that the findings informed the decision to involve the United Nations, which is expected to independently assess the allegations in the interest of transparency and fairness. The UN’s engagement is aimed at clarifying claims related to funds allegedly provided to Swapo, including those linked to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
