We Won in DRC, Says President

By Max Hamata, The Namibian (Windhoek), 22 March 2001

Windhoek—President Sam Nujoma claimed victory in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday, dismissing critics of Namibia's military involvement as prophet of dooms.

Speaking at Independence celebrations in Windhoek, Nujoma said the Namibia Defence Force's victories on the battlefield led to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the Lusaka Peace Accord which provide for the deployment of 500 observers and 5 000 military protectors.

He said the Namibian forces had brought peace to the DRC in defiance of what the prophets of doom had preached.

Shame on them, he said.

We will continue to put them to shame.

Namibia's mission in the DRC had been ‘accomplished with honour’ while acknowledging that the NDF had made ‘great sacrifices,’ the President said.

Plans were underway in accordance with the Lusaka peace agreement for the victorious SADC Allied forces to return to their respective countries after they successfully restored peace to the DRC, Nujoma added.

I congratulate our Namibia Defence Force, our commanders, men and women of the NDF and the Angolan and Zimbabwean armed forces for a job well done.

Nujoma said Government was concerned about the civil war in Angola and its spillover effects into the north-eastern parts of our country, especially in the Kavango region.

Government would remain seized of the situation in the DRC and Angola and was doing everything possible through SADC to restore peace to the two states, he added.

Peace and stability would enable the region to concentrate its efforts and resources on economic development and the improvement of people's standard of living.

On domestic politics, Nujoma said his Government had embarked on cost-saving measures to ensure prudent fiscal management and to mobilise greater financial resources for socio-economic development.

These measures would ensure the delivery of services to the poor, disabled persons and to those who need them most.

He reiterated Government's commitment to redressing poverty, homelessness, ignorance, disease, unemployment, land redistribution, and empowerment.

Cabinet had decided to improve and focus on the Government's capacities regarding policy implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

This will allow Cabinet the opportunity to follow policies at each stage of their design, formulation, implementation and monitoring.

It will also allow for the consideration and introduction of corrective measures that may become necessary.

Other measures, including austerity measures, will also be implemented, he said.