Allexer Namundjembo
Opposition political parties are demanding full public disclosure and accountability over the unexplained disappearance of N$100 million linked to a controversial oil and gas project, known as “the Transaction”, in Angola Block 15/06.
The project involves the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and other partners.
More than a year after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation, no official report has been made public.
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM), through its spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa, describes the situation as a pattern of state-owned entities mishandling public funds without consequences.
“Large sums of money suspiciously not being recovered, going missing, or promised to be addressed, yet no such action occurs,” said Simataa.
He urged the government to reform accountability systems and enforce stronger deterrents.
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) took a more aggressive stance.
The party’s member of parliament, George Kambala, described the transaction as “an unforgivable betrayal of the Namibian people”, warning of systemic governance failures.
“The N$100 million NAMCOR transaction that vanished into thin air is not just a scandal. It is an unforgivable betrayal of the Namibian people. This incident is emblematic of a system that has normalised grand theft under the guise of statecraft,” he said.
According to Kambala, the case reflects systemic collapse, not just isolated corruption.
“If N$100 million can disappear from a strategic national company without a trace or consequence, then Namibia is not just facing a governance crisis—we are in a state of systemic collapse,” he said.
Kambala added that the AR is demanding full public disclosure, including the list of involved individuals, account details, and the complete decision-making timeline.
“If public money was used, the public has the right to know exactly where it went and who benefitted,” he added.
The AR also called for the prosecution of those implicated, whether executives or political handlers, without protection.
“No golden parachutes. No transfers. No suspensions on full pay. We are calling for arrests and asset seizures. The era of impunity must end,” he said.
He also called for an independent commission of inquiry, led by credible experts and international observers.
“We cannot trust this government to investigate itself,” he said.
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani, said the time has come for the country to hold accountable those who misuse public funds.
“N$100 million going missing is not a small issue. We will be pushing for those who were responsible for the contracts. That money could have been utilised in something better, like schools or hospitals. The days of corruption are long gone. What needs to happen is that those who were or are at NAMCOR and involved in this deal should be dealt with,” he said.
The controversy centres on a 2022 transaction in which NAMCOR, under managing director Immanuel Mulunga, transferred N$100 million to Sungara Energies, a joint venture between NAMCOR, Sequa Petroleum (UK), and Nigeria’s Petrolog Group, to secure a stake in Angolan oil blocks.
The payment was reportedly made without board approval.
NAMCOR’s spokesperson Utaara Hoveka said the N$100 million was repaid in 2023.
“The 2023 N$100 million was paid back to NAMCOR long ago. We issued a media release at the time. Double-check your mail and internet sources,” he said.
In June 2023, Namcor said that it was not able to disclose any details or divulge additional information concerning the transaction.
“NAMCOR would like to request the media and the Namibian nation at large to be cognisant of the commercially sensitive disposition of transactions of this nature and remain patient to allow for a smooth completion of the Transaction,” the company said at the time.
The Windhoek Observer was still not able to find the media release in which Namcor confirmed having received the N$100 million from Angola.
Sources within the company said this refers to a different N$100 million that was approved by the board.
The additional N$100 million authorised by Mulunga allegedly remains unaccounted for.
“That money is gone for good,” the source said.
The source revealed that Sonangoa, Angola’s state oil company, informed NAMCOR three weeks ago that it would not be able to repay the funds.
Efforts to confirm this with NAMCOR’s former acting Managing Director, Ebson Uanguta, proved futile, as he did not respond to questions sent to him.
The publication sought clarity on whether the letter from SonAngol was indeed received and whether any reasons were provided for the refusal to repay the funds.
