WINDHOEK: In a demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the Swapo Party has organized a march to the United Nations Office, set for Friday, to present a petition condemning the actions of the Israeli military.
According to Namibian Press Agency, Hilma Nikanor, who spoke at a press briefing on Wednesday, the procession will begin at Zoo Park in the city’s heart and advance toward the UN House in Klein Windhoek. She stressed that the march is intended to be inclusive, extending an invitation to all members and supporters of the Swapo Party, as well as “all peace-loving Namibians” to participate in the demonstration, emphasizing its openness to individuals of any political or religious background.
This mobilization initiative follows critical statements made by Swapo president and Namibian head of state Hage Geingob, who addressed the issue during the opening of the ninth Session of the Heads of Mission Conference in Windhoek on Monday. Geingob called for a moment of silence for the Palestinians killed in recent conflicts and made remarks highlighting perceived disparities in the value given to different human lives in global politics.
Echoing Geingob’s statements, Peya Mushelenga, Swapo’s secretary for external affairs, articulated the power imbalances in international relations and the urgent need for influential states to actively engage in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The background for the planned protest is the escalation of hostilities following a surprise attack on 07 October by Hamas, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths in southern Israel. In response, Israel launched military strikes on the Gaza Strip. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has promised a forceful response to Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States and members of the European Union. International media report the resulting casualties in Palestine include over 7,000 people, with close to 3,000 of them being children.