Conditions for rejoining Swapo put Ulenga off

Former Congress of Democrats (CoD) president and Robben Island political prisoner Ben Ulenga has confirmed that he nearly rejoined his former political party, Swapo, but certain demands made by the former liberation movement were so unfavourable he decided to remain a member of the opposition party.

A former soldier in Swapo’s military wing, the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), Ulenga was injured in battle in the mid-1970s and captured by the enemy before being sentenced to 15 years on the notorious Robben Island prison, ultimately serving nine years.

Immediately after his release in 1985, Ulenga became involved in Namibia's labour movement, which itself played a pivotal role in the country’s quest for independence.

After independence in 1990, Ulenga held various senior positions in government, including as high commissioner to the United Kingdom.

He left Swapo and his government position in 1998 – citing the party’s failure to meaningfully change class relations, the proliferation of ethnicity and the exclusion of certain tribes from positions of power in the party.

In 1999, Ulenga founded CoD, which led to an exodus of high-profile members of Swapo to join his new formation. His political fortunes have declined over the last 15 years, leading to attempts by Swapo to bring him back to the ruling party.

Staying put

Ulenga said the ruling party put conditions on the table for his return – which he declined to disclose – but he could not meet those demands.

“I didn’t join Swapo. I am happy the way I am. There were attempts in that direction, but it did not work out. I am still a member of the CoD,” Ulenga told Namibian Sun yesterday.

He said rumours of a return to Swapo have refused to die since 2015, when it was first reported that he was expected to return to the ruling party.

He said his mind is now made up – he will never return to Swapo.

“Certain members came to me at the time and we were talking. As I was entertaining the talks, Swapo started to make certain demands, which I would not divulge. I do not want those details in the media for now,” Ulenga said.

‘Swapo to win with reduced majority’

Ulenga said Swapo is likely to win this month’s general election, but with a reduced majority compared to 2019, when the party also performed poorly and lost its two-thirds majority.

He said Swapo will continue to benefit from the blind loyalty of its massive voter base rather than votes based on its record in tackling national issues.

“The impression that I am picking up is that Namibians want to belong to parties like they belong to families. Once they join, they want to stay faithful,” Ulenga said.

He cautioned, however, that remaining loyal to a party that no longer serves one’s interests is misguided and Namibians should feel free to change their stance on matters of national importance.

“Unfortunately, we don’t seem to be guided by expectations, but we commit ourselves to certain people, not principles, parties and organisations. Especially if they give you a physical card,” Ulenga said.

Namibia decides

He said many people he has spoken to plan to vote for Swapo in the upcoming elections, yet they struggle to explain why they are supporting the party.

“That is an unfortunate situation, but that is how it is, as the majority are not guided. I suspect that Swapo could win, or let’s say Swapo will win, even though with a reduced majority,” Ulenga said.

As for his own party, the CoD, Ulenga said he was not part of the party’s campaigns and cannot predict how the party, which is no longer represented in parliament, will perform.

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