Community Unrest Over Lockout from Presidential Inauguration Ceremony

Residents of Havana express anger at the government’s decision to restrict attendance at the Independence Day and president’s inauguration events due to rain and capacity issues at State House, leading to perceived disenfranchisement and local unrest.

Residents of the Havana informal settlement express dissatisfaction with the government’s choice to host the Independence Day celebrations and the inauguration of Namibia’s fifth president at State House. This decision restricts attendance due to anticipated heavy rains in central Namibia and tight space allocated for international guests.

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has restricted public access, stating, “Due to limited space and the high number of international guests, the public will not be able to attend the 35th Independence celebrations and the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s fifth president as expected.”

Community member Karin Matheus voiced her disappointment, saying, “We wanted to see our president inaugurated.” Similarly, Elise Paulus expressed her frustration, stating, “We are unhappy. We voted for her, we wanted to see her inaugurated.” Meanwhile, chaos ensued at State House as some individuals were denied entry due to spatial constraints.

The government’s decision to limit attendance at the Independence Day celebrations and presidential inauguration has sparked frustration among local residents. The official announcement points to heavy rains and limited space for international guests as reasons for the restricted public access, leading to disappointment among supporters of President Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na