03 Jul 2018

Namibian refugees who reside at Dukwi refugee camp boycotted a repatriation meeting, addressed by the Minister for Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi and a ministerial delegation from Namibia.

Out of 900 registered Namibian refugees residing at the camp, only three attended the meeting which was held recently at the camp’s hall.

During their recent meeting with Minister Kgathi on May 11, Namibian refugees residing at Dukwi camp were given two months from May 11 to July 11 to return to their mother land.

Addressing the delegation from Namibia, Mr Kgathi said that the government of Botswana in terms of the agreement reached in the tripartite forum between Namibia, Botswana and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) it was decided that it was time for refugees to return to their country.

He said the tripartite arrangement had determined that fundamental changes in Namibia had taken place, which effectively removed the basis of fear for persecution of the Namibian community in Botswana by the Namibian government.

Minister Kgathi also said the purpose of the international protection was not to allow for refugees to remain refugees forever, but rather to foster and facilitate restoration of the national protection of the country of origin and also facilitate the return of persons so that they might return and re-join their communities in safety and with dignity.

He told them that the repatriation was still on voluntary basis and those who would register would have their return facilitated as per the provisions of the Tripartite Agreement.

Furthermore, Mr Kgathi said government considered Namibia to be stable, safe and secure with well-functioning governing institutions that observed the rule of law, urging them to voluntarily repatriate to their ancestral home.

For his part, Namibian Minister of Information and Communication Technology and head of delegation, Mr Stanley Simataa appealed to Namibian refugees to return home.

Mr Simataa said those who were willing to go back home now, would be assisted to resettle and become productive citizens.

He informed them that those who would be repatriated involuntarily, would not enjoy the amnesties and privileges given to those who repatriated voluntarily.

Minister Simataa assured them that of the 16 who were implicated in their case, only five had cases to answer to government but said the government had indicated that they would apply for pardon.

He also warned his countrymen not to be misled by other people who gave them wrong information and urged them to make their own decision as individuals or families.

Furthermore, he said they should not fear any persecution or punishment upon return as the government was eagerly waiting for them.

He also appealed to women to persuade their partners to heed the request for them to voluntary repatriate to their ancestral home.

A total of 24 Namibian refugees were repatriated Friday June 29.

Among the delegation from Namibia was deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Mr Sankwasa Sankwasa, member of the National Assembly, Ms Margaret Mahoto and Induna Buchane Siyemba, a traditional councilor of Mafwe Traditional Authority. Ends