Muinjangue quits as Nudo president
Nudo president Esther Muinjangue has resigned from her position as leader of the party, citing threats by party members who allegedly protested that they will not vote for the opposition outfit if she dared contest for a parliamentary seat.
Muinjangue, the first woman to lead a political party in Namibia, did not seek re-election to parliament, where she currently occupies one of the party’s two seats. Party secretary-general Josef Kauandenge occupies the other seat. Like Muinjangue, Kauandenge also did not seek re-election to parliament. Nudo won one seat in the National Assembly following the 2024 election, which will be occupied by former Okakarara constituency councillor Vetaruhe Kandorozu.
Vacancy
Namibian Sun can confirm that Muinjangue’s resignation came into effect on 7 February. Her abrupt departure could plunge Nudo into more succession battles after the party failed to hold its elective congress in 2024.
Kauandenge refused to confirm or deny whether Muinjangue has indeed resigned, saying he was not at liberty to discuss internal party issues with the media.
Muinjangue reportedly told a close-knit circle within Nudo that she could no longer lead the party after she was told she would not be able to stand for parliament under its banner.
She was elected Nudo president at a 2019 congress, narrowly edging out Kandorozu by 240 votes to 227. In 2020, she was appointed as a deputy minister of health by late president Hage Geingob.
With Muinjangue not returning to parliament next month, she will automatically vacate her ministerial position.
Muinjangue, the first woman to lead a political party in Namibia, did not seek re-election to parliament, where she currently occupies one of the party’s two seats. Party secretary-general Josef Kauandenge occupies the other seat. Like Muinjangue, Kauandenge also did not seek re-election to parliament. Nudo won one seat in the National Assembly following the 2024 election, which will be occupied by former Okakarara constituency councillor Vetaruhe Kandorozu.
Vacancy
Namibian Sun can confirm that Muinjangue’s resignation came into effect on 7 February. Her abrupt departure could plunge Nudo into more succession battles after the party failed to hold its elective congress in 2024.
Kauandenge refused to confirm or deny whether Muinjangue has indeed resigned, saying he was not at liberty to discuss internal party issues with the media.
Muinjangue reportedly told a close-knit circle within Nudo that she could no longer lead the party after she was told she would not be able to stand for parliament under its banner.
She was elected Nudo president at a 2019 congress, narrowly edging out Kandorozu by 240 votes to 227. In 2020, she was appointed as a deputy minister of health by late president Hage Geingob.
With Muinjangue not returning to parliament next month, she will automatically vacate her ministerial position.
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