Stefanus Nashama
President Hage Geingob, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), has reminded men and women in uniform that they are the shield of the nation.
For this reason, he said they are at all times expected to remain one in purpose, character and action.
“As men and women in uniform, you are the shield of the nation; you stand sentinel, guarding our democracy. Therefore, you should remain one in purpose, character and action,” he stressed.
Geingob was addressing soldiers at the Defence Force Parade in Otjozondjupa Region yesterday.
He reminded soldiers of their main purpose and encouraged them to play a continuous role in upholding the NDF’s mandate.
According to Geingob, the NDF consists of gallant soldiers who have raised the National Flag high during various operations under the United Nations and African Union. He added that the activities include peace-keeping and peace support missions in countries such as Angola, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Liberia, Kosovo, and Côte d’Ivoire, to mention a few.
At the regional level, Geingob pointed out that the NDF has helped to restore peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This happened in 1998, under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community mission known as Operation Atlantic,” he added.
At home, the Commander-In-Chief pointed out that the NDF has, on several occasions, carried out domestic operations and missions in support of law enforcement agencies to aid civil authorities.
“We should therefore commend our men and women in uniform for the sterling job they have done in this regard,” he said.
Geingob also touched on the challenges faced by the NDF. He added that he is aware of several but that they are not unique to the NDF. He said most of the challenges cut across all government structures and institutions.
Geingob pointed out that challenges such as the shortage of human capital and financial resources continue to impact negatively on various government programmes.
While looking at challenges, the President stressed that resources will never be sufficient, adding that the success or failure to accomplish assigned tasks and programmes depends on the usage of the limited resources the country has.
“There is a need to operate within the limits of the allocated budget, by prioritising activities and programmes,” he urged.
At the same time, Geingob made some proposals and recommendations for the development of the NDF.
These include the alignment of its structures, strategies, plans and programmes, prioritisation and procurement of military weapons and hardware, continuous recruitment of new members, force modernisation, more time on training, retraining and evaluation of training outcomes, sharing of expertise, discipline, enhancement of welfare and recognition of diplomatic missions, amongst others.
Geingob also indicated that the NDF is an integral component of Governance Architecture.
“The country continues enjoying peace because of men and women in uniform, he stated. Peace is one of the pillars upon which we have built our nation but we are all aware that peace and the maintenance thereof is not easy,” he concluded.
