Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Frans Kapofi, emphasised the crucial role that Botswana played in Namibia’s fight for independence, highlighting that Botswana was the first country to recognise Namibia’s independence.
“On March 21, 1990, Namibia joined the community of free and independent nations. That independence came about because of the overwhelming support given to the Namibian people in our struggle against apartheid and colonialism from 1966 to 1989. Many prominent Namibian leaders, including our four Presidents, took refuge in exile through Botswana. Botswana is also home to some of the descendants of the survivors of the heinous crimes of genocide of 1904 to 1908 by the Imperial German colonial regime against the Namibian people,” he said.
Kapofi made these remarks at the second launch of the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Plan in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region. The first launch of the plan took place earlier in the week in Kasane, Botswana.
The CIMIC Plan aims to improve border security and reduce illegal activities along the Namibia-Botswana border. Its implementation will include regular joint patrols by the defence forces of both countries, aiming to ensure community safety and promote greater cooperation and trust between the two military forces.
According to Kapofi, the launch of the CIMIC Plan in both Botswana and Namibia is a testament to the two countries’ shared commitment to peace and security. He acknowledged that the two countries have had their differences regarding the shared border, with some conflicts resulting in the loss of lives. However, he noted that both governments have always prioritised peaceful resolutions, including legal recourses.
Besides these shared values of peace and security, Kapofi emphasised that Namibia and Botswana have strong historic ties.
“Yes, we keep repeating these historical factors so that people know that Botswana was among the many nations that immensely contributed to our independence. We must also continue to provide this historical context to our younger generations so that they understand where our two countries come from and our strong bond of friendship despite some unfortunate incidences along our shared border,” Kapofi added.
