Shikongo: Police will not tolerate post-election unrest
Namibian Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo has issued a stern warning against incitement to violence in response to disagreements over recent national elections. Speaking firmly, Shikongo emphasized that the police would not tolerate actions that threaten public safety or peace.
"There are people who refer to the situation in Mozambique and suggest we should act similarly. Peace is very sweet, and once we lose it, we are all victims," Shikongo cautioned.
While acknowledging the democratic rights of citizens, Shikongo stressed that these rights must be exercised within the framework of the law. "We warn members of the public to exercise their democratic right within the limits of the law. Violent actions, intimidation, or threats to public safety and security will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he stated.
Shikongo, who has extensive experience from service in conflict zones such as the Congo, Angola, Sudan, and Lesotho, underscored the intrinsic link between peace and justice. He reminded Namibians that the judiciary requires a peaceful environment to function effectively.
"Where peace is absent, there is no justice. You can only have justice where there is peace. If there is no peace, the court cannot function. We need an environment of peace and stability to approach the police or the courts," he explained.
Recalling Namibia’s troubled past, Shikongo appealed to citizens to avoid a return to violence. "It wasn't long ago when there was war in our country. Do we really want to go back to those days? Some people are talking about acquiring weapons, but it’s easy to talk. When it comes to action, it’s a different story altogether. We appeal to our people to remain calm while the courts do their work," he urged.
The inspector general's remarks come amid rising tensions, as some individuals have reportedly called for unrest similar to what has occurred in other regions. However, Shikongo’s message was clear: preserving peace is paramount to safeguarding justice and national stability.
The post-election period in the country has been calm and peaceful so far, even amid refusal by some opposition parties to accept the outcome. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People's Movement are challenging the election outcome in court, alleging irregularities and unfairness.
Windhoek Observer yesterday reported that IPC is calling on all Namibians to join the party in protest action scheduled for this Friday. The peaceful protest is organised by the party's Khomas regional leadership, and aims to demand a fair and transparent judgment in the party's court case challenging the election result.
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"There are people who refer to the situation in Mozambique and suggest we should act similarly. Peace is very sweet, and once we lose it, we are all victims," Shikongo cautioned.
While acknowledging the democratic rights of citizens, Shikongo stressed that these rights must be exercised within the framework of the law. "We warn members of the public to exercise their democratic right within the limits of the law. Violent actions, intimidation, or threats to public safety and security will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he stated.
Shikongo, who has extensive experience from service in conflict zones such as the Congo, Angola, Sudan, and Lesotho, underscored the intrinsic link between peace and justice. He reminded Namibians that the judiciary requires a peaceful environment to function effectively.
"Where peace is absent, there is no justice. You can only have justice where there is peace. If there is no peace, the court cannot function. We need an environment of peace and stability to approach the police or the courts," he explained.
Recalling Namibia’s troubled past, Shikongo appealed to citizens to avoid a return to violence. "It wasn't long ago when there was war in our country. Do we really want to go back to those days? Some people are talking about acquiring weapons, but it’s easy to talk. When it comes to action, it’s a different story altogether. We appeal to our people to remain calm while the courts do their work," he urged.
The inspector general's remarks come amid rising tensions, as some individuals have reportedly called for unrest similar to what has occurred in other regions. However, Shikongo’s message was clear: preserving peace is paramount to safeguarding justice and national stability.
The post-election period in the country has been calm and peaceful so far, even amid refusal by some opposition parties to accept the outcome. The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People's Movement are challenging the election outcome in court, alleging irregularities and unfairness.
Windhoek Observer yesterday reported that IPC is calling on all Namibians to join the party in protest action scheduled for this Friday. The peaceful protest is organised by the party's Khomas regional leadership, and aims to demand a fair and transparent judgment in the party's court case challenging the election result.
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