Like its neighbors Namibia is threatened by HIV/AIDS and political upheaval. Namibia, a sparsely populated country, has enjoyed relative peace since its independence from Germany in 1990, although secession troubles in the Caprivi Strip have increased.
Last week, ten men were found guilty of treason. The men were accused of going to Angola to collect weapons and using them in the attack in the Caprivi Region. Thousands were forced to flee to Botswana. Twelve people died in the attack. Seven of the accused were sentenced to 32 years and the other three were sentenced to 30 years. The men were ordered out of the courthouse for shouting “Viva Caprivi”.
One hundred and nineteen have been arrested and await trial. Judge John Manyarara said the long sentences for plotting to secede were necessary given “today’s world”.
The BBC Correspondent at the trial raised human rights questions concerning the length of arrest for many of the men. One of the three men sentenced to 30-years, Frederick Ntambilwa, has been in custody for five years. The seven who received 32-year terms have been in custody since December 6, 2003 or December 12, 2003. The same is true for many of the men arrested.
The mastermind of the secession movement has been living in exile in Denmark since 1999.
For more information please see:
AllAfrica – Namibia: Long Jail Terms for ‘Traitors’ – 09 August 2007
BBC – Jail for Namibia’s secessionists – 08 August 2007
BBC – Country profile: Namibia – 15 May 2007
