Africa-Press – Namibia. PENNINA MUYENDA SHILONGO DURING THE recent United Nations General Assembly emergency meeting to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the African continent recorded a ‘rainbow’ vote, with 51% in favour of the resolution, and the remaining 49% split between absence and abstention, with one vote against recorded.
The votes could have been influenced by, among others, political and economic interests, historical ties, or wars on African soil perpetrated by Western aggressors being ignored. Namibia, while praised by some for abstaining, has been heavily criticised by others.
Historical ties matter as they inform a country’s position and who to call in times of adversity. In Namibia’s case, a song from the early years of Namibia’s independence narrates how Cuba and the former Soviet Union stood with us in our fight for independence: “Natutange Soviet naCuba, oyo yetu supporta oilwitho…”, which loosely translates to “we praise Soviet and Cuba for they have aided us with ammunition…”.
The Soviet Union (largely Russia) supported and contributed to Namibia’s liberation struggle. Since then, bilateral relations between Russia and Namibia have only grown better.
Namibia’s policy on international relations and cooperation guides how the country pronounces itself on the global stage while pursuing and safeguarding her national interests. The conflict in Ukraine is not the first time our country has chosen to abstain on a resolution of this nature.
Namibia maintains that it does not directly involve itself in other states’ internal affairs. Instead, it is a member of various multilateral organisations and a signatory to international treaties and conventions. Through them, the state’s voice is expressed: “Namibia remains a child of international solidarity, a friend to all and an enemy to none.”
NON-ALIGNMENT Article 96 of the Namibian Constitution outlines how the state conducts itself in international affairs: “The state shall adopt and maintain a policy of non-alignment.”
Guided by the Constitution, Namibia is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. Non-alignment provides the benefit of independence from block influences and rivalries, and provides the freedom of neutrality which is favourable for developing countries.
Namibia trades with both Western and Eastern markets. A vote for or against can affect trading patterns as well as investments flowing into the country. A neutral stance secures the country’s continued access to the markets of both major trading blocs.
The UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is significant. However, it is not the first resolution of its kind to be passed in the General Assembly. Historically, its value can be argued to be more symbolic and not punitive because the UN Security Council is the only UN body that has the mandate and power to impose punitive measures on any UN member state found guilty of violating the UN Charter.
The reason this vote went to the General Assembly from the Security Council is because the aggressor is a permanent member of the Security Council with the power to veto the resolution.
Namibia’s decision to abstain was not taken in a vacuum. It is guided by the Constitution, foreign policy, and safeguards the state’s interests internationally.
* Pennina Muyenda Shilongo is a graduate of international relations and economic diplomacy at the University of Marii Curie-Sklodowskiej in Poland. The views expressed are her own.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
