Windhoek: The Former Refugees Repatriation Association of Namibia (FRRAN) announced its intention to escalate its demands to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah after a meeting with Swapo Party officials and United Nations (UN) representatives ended without resolution on Saturday. The meeting, held in Windhoek and led by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa, included former refugees who have been staging a demonstration at the party's headquarters since October 2025.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the grievances of the FRRAN stem from the 1989 repatriation of Namibians who lived in exile during the country's liberation struggle. The association claims that the UN allocated funds to Swapo intended to compensate returnees for resettlement and rehabilitation, and they are demanding payment of these funds, 36 years post-independence.
Shaningwa stated that the demonstrators are seeking clarity and resolution regarding the funds they believe were earmarked for their benefit. She explained that UN representatives, including UN Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) country representative Kavita Belani, were present to shed light on the issue. However, Shaningwa asserted that Swapo's financial records do not indicate the existence of such funds, based on a thorough examination of party records since her tenure as secretary general began in 2017, and her re-election in 2022.
In her remarks, Shaningwa emphasized the party's commitment to transparency and fairness by engaging the UN directly to obtain authoritative insights. Belani reiterated that the UN had fulfilled its obligations in the return of Namibian refugees, clarifying that UNHCR's role in 1989 was confined to voluntary repatriation, including transportation and basic assistance like food rations. She refuted claims that resettlement and rehabilitation components under UN Security Council Resolution 435 of 1978 remained unaddressed, affirming that all donor funds were fully utilized and accounted for.
Despite these explanations, members of the FRRAN expressed dissatisfaction with the outcomes and vowed to persist with their demonstration at Swapo headquarters. Association president Mateus Nangolo indicated that the group plans to request a meeting with President Nandi-Ndaitwah, anticipated to occur next month. He highlighted ongoing challenges faced by many returnees, including insufficient rehabilitation and housing. Additionally, the group intends to dispatch representatives to Geneva for discussions at the UNHCR headquarters.