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By Magreth Nunuhe and Mpho Tebele

Windhoek / Gaborone – Namibian refugees based in Dukwi refugee camp in Botswana have succeeded in preventing the Botswana government from expelling them after the deadline has expired their voluntary repatriation on Wednesday (The remaining Namibian refugees (estimated at about 900) in the Zambezi region (formerly Caprivi) in northeastern Namibia risk being expelled from Botswana but successfully banning this decision by Dingake Law Partners,

Their attorney, Martin Dingake, The Southern Times stated that the High Court prohibited the Botswana government from deporting refugees until the end of the year. the case is resolved amicably.

Refugee spokesman Felix Kakula stated that he learned that the authorities intended to transport them from the refugee camp. Dukwi refugees in Francistown center for illegal immigrants, as they are no longer recognized as refugees

Amnesty International (AI) also called on the government of Botswana to refrain from returning refugees to Namibia.

Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Southern Africa, Muleya Mwananyanda, said that Namibian refugees should not be forced to return home if their personal safety can not be guaranteed and will not be safe. they risk being subjected to human rights violations, which would violate the international and national obligations provided by law.

In 2016, the Botswana High Court also arrested the deportation of 928 Namibian refugees

About two weeks ago, 12 Namibian refugees were arrested in Gaborone's Central Business District after presenting a petition to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat on behalf of others at the camp.

Refugees said in their petition to SADC that they would only return home if the Namibian government dismantled the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by their exiled leader of the separatists. movement in the former Caprivi region of Namibia, Mishake Muyongo

Refugees want the SADC to intervene and create a platform where the Namibian government would welcome them to their country as members of the group. ; UDP.

They also want the government to pledge not to be subject to criminal charges, including treason.

More than 3,000 Namibian refugees have been repatriated since 2000.

In accordance with the Tripartite Commission's agreement, UNHCR provides a voluntary repatriation program that includes cash and food for three months, while monitoring and supervising the voluntary repatriation of the country of asylum to the country of origin.

In Namibia, five members of the Caprivi concerned The group, suspected of being a UDP sympathizer, was arrested last weekend for sedition, incitement to public violence and violation of the law. 39, Article 21 (2) of the Namibian Constitution, which deals with national security and public order. wanted to hold a public meeting, but was arrested after refusing to follow police orders to disperse.

NamRights director, Phil ya Nangoloh, criticized police action, s "The police do not have the right to disrupt meetings if they are held unarmed", did he retorted, adding that it would also put fears in Caprivian's heart. & # 39; refugees in Botswana.

"You have the right to peacefully plead, and the police should only be involved if there are violent factions," he said.

Ya Nangoloh pointed out that her organization was involved "for all practical reasons" and that she would see how they could get a bond for those arrested. Frans Kapofi said that Namibia is a unitary state and that activities involving secessionism would not be tolerated. Kapofi said the arrest of members of the Caprivi group should not be feared by those who want to return home, as Namibia has already repatriated more than 3,000 people who have not been persecuted.

"There are people involved in dealing with the law, but it has nothing to do with the majority," he said.

Kapofi revealed receiving 46 refugees this week and repatriating more as they made themselves available. the numbers are down.

We kept our promises. But we can not force anyone who does not want to come back, "he said. [ad_2]
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