Since independence, Namibia has been characterised by multi-party elections, good governance, a generally free media, respect for the constitution, and the rule of law. However, this chapter notes that Namibia’s military has increased in both operational strength and political influence, and that civilian oversight of the security sector requires improvement. Namibia’s most significant security challenges are extreme inequality and persistently high poverty and unemployment, complicated by high rates of HIV infection. Greater focus on human and common security is therefore needed, both in Namibia and in Southern Africa more widely.
Following independence, Namibia’s elected Constituent Assembly constructed a widely admired democratic constitution, pursued national reconciliation, merged previously warring armies, and created a stable democratic political system that became a leading model in Africa. The promotion of democracy in Namibia has been assisted by general peace and stability, the government’s adherence to the constitution, and policies of reconciliation and inclusion. Namibia still has one of the most unequal distributions of income and wealth in the world, though, and unemployment has caused social unrest.
Parliament and other bodies (such as the auditor-general, Public Service Commission, Judicial Appointments Commission, Ombudsman’s Office, and the higher courts) have developed effective oversight capacities. However, the security sector is largely detached from the scrutiny of civil society and the general public. In addition, government inclusion of civil society in policymaking is often token, rather than substantive.
After independence, the newly combined military (the NDF) was trained by the British, and this training helped to reinforce principles of civil supremacy that had also been present in the PLAN liberation army. The Defence Force Act 20 of 1990 then delineated the institutional roles and identities of a civilian-led MoD and a professional, politically neutral army. However, Namibia’s controversial involvement in the Angolan and DRC conflicts suggests that the Namibian military has become more politically influential. Further concerns are that:
- The war in the DRC and an attempted secession in the Caprivi sparked a significant increase in military spending and presence.
- A major state enterprise owned by the MoD, called August 26th, has emerged. Its investment portfolio includes a diamond mining concession allocated to the Namibian government by the then government of the DRC.
- Namibia’s liberation tradition of secrecy and closed command has hindered the development of transparency.
- There is particular secrecy regarding the activities and spending of the National Intelligence Security Agency. The NISA seems to have had limited effectiveness (failing to anticipate the Caprivi incident and the UNITA incursions), and has allegedly monitored political figures.
- The Special Field Forces (SFF) have been criticised for a lack of training and professionalism, and brutality by some members has been alleged.
Both governmental and non-governmental actors in an independent Namibia have been expected to play an active role in promoting security. Namibia has made an important contribution both to the enhancement of its own safety, and to regional security. However, the prominence of Namibia’s military seems at odds with the population’s security concerns, which focus on social, health, and economic issues.
