Martin Endjala
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, and Safety Security through the Namibian Police, revoked the permission previously granted for the vessel MV Kathrin to enter and dock at Namibia’s main harbour on 24 August..
The port of Walvis Bay scheduled the vessel, carrying cargo in transit, for docking on 25 August.
Israel, which is currently involved in a conflict with Gaza, was the destination of the vessel carrying military equipment and supplies.
According to a letter seen by the Windhoek Observer, Nampol’s Inspector-General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, directed Africa Global Logistic PTY Limited that the permission for the MV Kathrin vessel, granted on 13 August under permission number 21/2024, was revoked.
This decision followed the discovery that one of the consignments on board – RDX hexogen explosives – was destined for Israel. The evidence was found in an additional document submitted on 24 August.
“Kindly be informed that permission no. 21/2024 granted to the MV Kathrin vessel dated 13 August has been revoked with immediate effect. Hence, the said vessel is strictly prohibited from entering Namibian waters in terms of Cabinet Decision NO. 9th/04, 06.24/006,” the letter stated.
The initial application and documents submitted on 2 August indicated that the vessel was travelling from Haiphong, Vietnam (port of loading) to Koper, Slovenia (port of discharge), carrying an explosive cargo of 60 containers of Tri-NitroToluene (TNT) and eight containers of hexogen explosives.
In a statement on 23 August, Namport’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Kanime, confirmed that they had received notification for the MV Kathrin to dock at the Port of Walvis Bay. He noted that the vessel still needed a firm docking date and time.
Kanime said that the MV Kathrin, like any other vessel calling at Namibian ports, is required to adhere to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations, as well as the country’s and ports’ established protocols.
He indicated that Namport had not received the pre-clearance documentation for the vessel and, as such, could not confirm whether the vessel had any dangerous cargo on board.
“We again reiterate and reassure the Namibian nation and our port users that Namport always complies with all international conventions on the safe handling of vessels and cargo in our ports, collaborates with all organs of state in ensuring the effective safety and security of our territorial waters and ports, and supports and fully upholds our national government’s standing and position on international relations and protocols,” Kanime said.
Kanime also revealed that the MV Nordic (IMO 9663001) did not dock inside the port of Walvis Bay on 25 July, as reported, but passed through Namibian waters, anchoring in transit to its final destination. He said the vessel declared and obtained the requisite approval from relevant authorities for the transit through Namibian territorial waters with the dangerous cargo on board.
Herbert Jauch, chairperson of Economic Social Justice and Trust (ESJT), praised the police for revoking the vessel’s permission and acknowledged the journalists who pursued inquiries with the relevant authorities.
“When one looks at Namport’s response, details are very technical, merely looking at permits granted and regulations. But it completely avoids the crucial moral and political question, namely Namibia becoming an accessory to genocide, if it allows vessel Kathrin carrying military cargo to proceed and dock in the harbour of Walvis Bay,” Jauch argued.
Jauch expressed disappointment with Namport’s response, describing it as poor and lacking substance, as it only addressed regulatory aspects.
Jauch believes that action is necessary to support Namibia’s stance on the genocide in Gaza and to establish a clear policy stance that Namibia may not be complicit in such actions, which prompted the ESJT to write to the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation
“It is in that light that Namport did not address the key issues we stated in our open letter, but thanks to the Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab’s comprehensive response, calling on her colleagues to prevent Namibia from becoming complicit in genocide, the vessel was revoked from docking,” he said.
Jauch emphasised that the decision to cancel the vessel’s permit to dock at Walvis Bay demonstrates Namibia’s stance in supporting its policies towards ending genocide in Gaza.
He said the move is encouraging and should set an example for other countries to follow.
“We know from our own history of the liberation struggle how important international support can be, and this is what is now needed. It is essential for the Palestinians that they receive full support to end the slaughter and genocide in Gaza and start the process of restoring rights,” he said.
