How Nujoma foiled Caprivi uprising in six days

Late founding president Sam Nujoma has been widely praised for his swift and decisive response to the 1999 Caprivi insurrection, which lasted only six days but claimed 14 lives.On 2 August 1999, the Caprivi Liberation Army (CLA), led by Mishake Muyongo, launched a surprise attack on key government installations in Katima Mulilo, including the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) army base, the border post, the police station, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) radio station and the local airport. In the ensuing clashes between rebels and government forces, 14 people – including civilians – were killed.The CLA sought secession for the Caprivi Region, claiming it had not historically been part of Namibia.The movement was spearheaded by Muyongo, a former leader of the Caprivi African National Union (CANU), Swapo and the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA). However, Nujoma’s government firmly opposed any attempts to separate the region from Namibia.Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu and former Swapo MP Ellen Musialela say they vividly recall the events of 1999 and credit Nujoma for restoring stability in record time.Sampofu, a former NDF colonel, this week said Nujoma, through then military general Martin Shalli, acted decisively to neutralise the CLA, describing them as “rebels and bandits".“As commander-in-chief, the founding father ordered the military to crush the rebellion, and within six days, the CLA was wiped out,” he recalled.Countless lives savedSampofu dismissed the rebels as a small, disorganised group and credited Nujoma for preventing the Zambezi region from becoming a battleground.“We do not support the Zambezi secessionist agenda. The region remains peaceful, as it has been since independence,” he said firmly.Musialela echoed these sentiments, adding that Nujoma’s rapid response saved countless lives. She highlighted key government strategies, including a curfew and increased military patrols, which ensured long-term stability.“Nobody saw the attack coming – it was a complete surprise. But the government acted quickly, deploying security forces to assess the situation and restore order,” she said.While the rebellion was crushed within six days, patrols continued for an extended period to maintain peace and reassure the public.“The swift action of Nujoma’s government was crucial. Without it, many more lives could have been lost,” Musialela added.She further noted that the secessionist movement was not widely supported, as it was secretly orchestrated by a small group of individuals.“Most people in Zambezi did not want to break away from Namibia. We appreciate what Nujoma did for us. His legacy must continue,” she said. - kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

How Nujoma foiled Caprivi uprising in six days

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-25

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How Nujoma foiled Caprivi uprising in six days

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-25

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