Stefanus Nashama
The Namibian Police briefly detained Michael Amushelelo, a member of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), after his arrest at Unam’s main campus in Windhoek on Monday.
He was released a few hours later.
Amushelelo and a group of LPM Youth Command members were protesting the university’s ban on political activities on campus.
The youth demanded a discussion on the matter with the university’s management, which resulted in the arrest.
Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah suggested that the police could have handled the situation better instead of making an arrest.
“As a security apparatus, the police should be careful that arresting someone does not solve the problem. The LPM has a merit on freedom and it must not be squashed,” he said.
Kamwanyah believes the situation was poorly handled by both Unam, security officials, as well as the police.
“It is just a matter of dialogue and conversation around the issue. I do not think there was a need to arrest someone,” he added.
Another political analyst, Sakaria Johannes, said that there was no need to arrest anyone since the group was simply requesting a dialogue with the university.
“Why didn’t the security stop the Swapo Youth League activities on campus while they are stopping other political parties from having political activities on campus?” he asked. Where is fairness on this whole thing?” he questioned.
Johannes claimed that Unam showed bias when interacting with other political parties.
He claimed that Swapo might influence the university for political reasons.
“Unam is a public institution. It does not belong to anyone. How did it end, with only Swapo and no other political parties? And who is protecting those who are not favoured?” he questioned.
He advised Unam to manage its affairs fairly, ensuring inclusivity.
In the same vein, the Popular Democratic Movement Youth League (PDMYL) sees the ban as an attempt to instil fear in students and discourage their participation in political activities.
The police could not confirm the arrest on Monday. However, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said she was still waiting for a report from the region before she commented on the matter.
The police allowed the LPM team, which included City of Windhoek councillor Ivan Skrywer, lawmaker, Utaara Mootu, and youth leader, Duminga Ndala, to discuss the ban with the Unam management committee a few hours after Amushelelo’s arrest.
The outcome of the discussion is yet to be communicated by the party.
The party in a statement issued late accused the Unam leadership of having turned on Swapo propaganda machined bending and breaking its own laws to serve the whims of the ruling elite.
“It is clear that only one political party is above the law at UNAM, and it’s the same corrupt crew that has been suffocating this country for decades,” reads the statement.
The party said the institution of higher learning has turned into a breeding ground for state puppetry.
“The illegal arrest of our cadre, Leader Michael Amushelelo, is nothing short of a declaration of war against the opposition, and we are more than ready to fight back. We will not rest until those responsible for his unlawful arrest are brought to justice,” said the party.
Unam imposed the ban on political activities on its campus in April but on Friday allowed the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) to host a series of events at its main campus in Windhoek.
In April, the university blocked an event of the Affirmative Repositioning Students Command (ARSC) where AR leader Job Amupanda was scheduled to give a presentation.
The incident occurred when the campus security officers reportedly interrupted the meeting.
ARSC’s fight to restore the right to hold political events on campus was thwarted by a formal ban from Ellen Namhila, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor for finance and administration.
The decision received various scrutiny from academics, lawmakers, political analysts, and members of the public.
On Monday, lKadhila Amoomo’s law firm confirmed Amushelelo’s arrest via social media.
Efforts to get comments from Unam were unsuccessful.
