By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, July 9 – Increasing tension looms between citizens of Botswana and Namibia as the people living along the border lines face ongoing intimidation from the Botswana Defence Force. Particularly along the Chobe River, residents live in constant fear, with fishing becoming a thing of the past as their nets are confiscated upon being spotted by the BDF.
The new border treaty brings surprises and deprives the people of Zambezi of fertile land, as some of their fields now belong to Botswana. The origins of this treaty remain unclear, but what is evident is the lack of consultation and sensitization with the affected community and traditional authorities prior to its signing. Some can only recall being invited by Honourable Albert Kawana for a helicopter flight, which they thought was a joyride, only to discover that it was to showcase the new borderlines.
With the border treaty already in effect, the only hope lies in its reversal, as it significantly disadvantages Namibian citizens. Speaking to NDN, a member of the community living in the Ngoma area expressed the ongoing difficulties they face, being unable to fish freely. At the same time, the BDF operates without restraint in the Chobe River. Fear of arrest or even death hangs over their heads, compelling the government to take action and reverse the 2018 border agreement that was secretly signed.
In November 2020, nationwide protests erupted following the killing of the Nchindo brothers. The Botswana Defence Force claimed the brothers were poachers but failed to provide conclusive evidence, leading to doubts about their one-sided account. Numerous Namibian citizens have fallen victim to the Botswana Defence Force’s trigger-happy approach, falsely labelled as poachers. This includes a nine-year-old from Lizauli village in the Lyabboloma constituency, raising significant concerns about how a child of that age could be labelled a poacher.
The Botswana Defence Force’s aggressive patrolling of the Chobe River and intimidation of tourists surfing and fishing in Namibian territory have triggered citizens’ threats to defend themselves if the government fails to protect them.
– Namibia Daily News
Post Views: 8
Leave a Reply