Namibia, Botswana share repatriation milestone

The voluntary repatriation of a group of descendants of the Ovaherero who fled Namibia for Botswana - then known as Bechuanaland - during the German genocide has been hailed as a boost to the bilateral relations between the two neighbouring states.

The successful collaboration between Namibia and Botswana has opened the door for the repatriates to relocate to Namibia, with many having already renounced their Botswana citizenship.

According to several government officials - who spoke to Namibian Sun at Friday’s arrival ceremony at the Dobe border post, situated about 50 kilometres east of Tsumkwe - another group of repatriates had to stay longer in Botswana to finalise personal matters.

Namibia and Botswana are still working on the second group's return, which includes livestock.

Botswana’s minister of nationality, immigration and gender affairs Anna Mokgethi said it was good for them as ministers to witness first-hand the process the repatriates had to undergo when they came through the borders.

“Today is without a doubt a poignant moment as we bid farewell to our own upstanding citizens who chose to retrace their ancestry or lineage by moving to Namibia. As long back as 1956, these communities have always expressed a desire to return,” she said.



Historic day

Her Namibian counterpart Albert Kawana described the repatriation process as a historic day, adding that “it is important to note that Namibia’s history of liberation and resistance is full of pain”.

“The government has secured and developed a communal area in Gam, with farming infrastructure. The ministry has also acquired food items and tents for our citizens. Abide by our laws as you have been doing to the laws of Botswana,” he told the repatriates.

When talks between the two nations began regarding the repatriation process, most concerns were around the integration of the repatriates into Namibian society as well as the issue of land.

Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua told the group that they will be placed in a reception area for the interim and will from there be integrated into Namibian society. “Efforts were made at a high level for a reception area around Gam. Government saw fit that you would not only survive in that reception area [and] a farming area was sought, making it able for you to expand economically,” he said.

He added that those with livestock will be provided with proper communal land, and that they will be guided by the line government ministries.



Feel at home

The second phase of the repatriation process, which is yet to be finalised, will soon be announced.

“We are aware that with the first phase, citizenship was one of the issues that were raised. Most of these individuals have already renounced their Botswana citizenship and the Namibian government will ensure they get citizenship. Count yourself as equals in your motherland,” he said.

Chief Sam Kambazembi of the Kambazembi royal house told the repatriates that Namibia is a democratic land governed by the rule of law, and urged them to feel at home.

“Of course, it is your hope to be returned to the exact land where your grandparents came from; however, that is not possible,” he said.



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