SWAKOPMUND — The upcoming Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) for Namibia will emphasize enhancements in security, legal reforms, and greater access to justice, aiming to address both national and international challenges effectively.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Dr. John Shimaneni, Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Justice, outlined the priorities of the Safety and Security cluster during a media briefing in Swakopmund on Friday. This announcement came at the conclusion of a five-day workshop aimed at finalizing the chapter on Peace, Security, and the Rule of Law for the NDP6. The event saw participation from various security bodies including the Namibian Defence Force, Namibian Police Force, and Namibian Correctional Service.
Shimaneni recounted the achievements under the previous plan, NDP5, which included modernizing military equipment, enhancing the use of technology in security operations, and promoting initiatives like ‘Silencing the Guns’ to encourage the surrender of illegal firearms. These measures, he noted, have substantially improved national security.
On the civil front, significant progress was made in addressing judicial backlogs through the introduction of case management systems, which have notably increased the efficiency of the justice system. Despite these advancements, challenges such as the high cost of legal representation remain. To tackle this, the Ministry of Justice is looking to amend the Legal Aid Act to include pro bono services from lawyers, thereby reducing legal expenses for citizens.
Shimaneni also highlighted ongoing issues with cross-border movement, particularly between Namibia and Angola, stressing the need for more designated border posts. The management of statelessness and undocumented persons is another focal area, with legislative measures being planned to better regulate these concerns.
Furthermore, reforms in correctional services are on the agenda, with a shift towards more rehabilitative and reintegration-focused practices, constrained only by current budget limitations.