Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Opposition parties have criticised President Nangolo Mbumba for extending a message of solidarity message to the president of the United States of America, Joe Biden and the people of California following six days of deadly wildfires.
Mbumba, in his message, said Namibia stands with the people of California during this difficult hour and wishes them strength.
“As a country that is disproportionately affected by a warming planet, Namibia stands ready to work with the American government and like-minded nations to deal with the scourge of climate change,” he said.
However, opposition parties accused Mbumba of failing to extend support to the people of Goreangab and Otjomuise following the recent floods that swept away homes.
Landless People Movement spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa said this act by Mbumba creates a perception of performance for the outside world and a lack of solidarity for his own people.
“Such a stance from the acting president would boost morale and be a symbolic gesture that such harm is seen and that we are standing together. In the same breath, we are glad to see the constant reaction and response from the City of Windhoek on the matter, with constant updates and specifically our councillors who have been on the ground,” said Simataa.
Social activist, Michael Amushelelo said African leaders still suffer from the “Stockholm Syndrome.”.
“It is clear that we still have African leaders who suffer from an inferiority complex. Nangolo feels the need to send a message to the people of the USA whilst his own were in a similar situation. However, he remained silent about that. In fact, he has not even visited those affected areas, which just shows his hate for his own kind,” said Amushelelo.
The city of Windhoek reports that the flooding has negatively impacted about 308 households, totalling 1250 residents, who live in habitable areas.
Among these, 11 households were severely impacted as a result of their structures being destroyed and washed away.
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari said the claim that Mbumba has only shown sympathy for Americans is a poor analogy.
Hengari said those who do not see value in the president’s message to the Americans should remember that the assistance given to Namibian flood victims is done under Mbumba’s leadership.
“This is a poor analogy. The government, the regional and local authorities, under the overall leadership of President Nangolo Mbumba, has been responsible for the relief efforts in the affected areas of the country,” said Hengari.
