Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia is positioning itself to make global policing history, as Namibian Police Major General Anna-Marie Nainda enters the race to become Interpol’s next president.
A formal event was recently convened to rally support for Nainda – Africa’s sole female candidate in the race.
The gathering formed part of Namibia’s formal diplomatic outreach ahead of the Interpol General Assembly scheduled for 27 November 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco.
Senior government leaders, including International Relations Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi and Home Affairs Minister Lucia Iipumbu, told diplomats that Namibia is presenting a highly qualified, globally experienced and regionally endorsed candidate who is ready to lead the world’s premier policing cooperation body at a time of escalating transnational crime.
Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia was appealing for firm commitments ahead of the Interpol General Assembly elections, where 196 member countries will choose a new president.
She reminded diplomats that Namibia has long championed global peace and security, including initiating the landmark UN Security Council debate on Women, Peace and Security in 2000, an agenda that gave rise to Resolution 1325 and continues to guide global security policy. Ashipala-Musavyi delivered the keynote appeal, describing Nainda as the most qualified candidate among the four contenders and emphasising the country’s longstanding commitment to global peace, security and the advancement of women in decision-making.
“It is with great pleasure that I address you this evening to inform you about our candidate and to request your kind support. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has “graciously and unreservedly” endorsed Nainda’s candidature,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.
She added that Nainda’s bid has already secured “robust support” from SADC structures, including the SADC Chiefs of Police Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO), the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Security, and the SADC Summit itself.
Ashipala-Musavyi urged diplomats to take the campaign message back to their capitals, insisting that Namibia is seeking support “not because she is a woman”, but because Nainda is objectively the strongest candidate.
Professional
Nainda, the Deputy Inspector General responsible for administration in the Namibian Police, has 33 years’ experience in crime prevention, investigations, policing administration and international cooperation. She holds a master’s degree in international relations, a postgraduate diploma in public governance, a law degree and several professional policing and security qualifications.
Her international experience includes service as a regional specialised officer at Interpol’s Regional Bureau in Harare and extensive involvement in SARPCCO and other continental policing initiatives. She was instrumental in establishing the SARPCCO Women’s Network and the Namibian Police Women’s Network, demonstrating her commitment to advancing gender equity in the security sector.
The minister said these attributes place Nainda in a strong position to lead an organisation of 196 member countries currently confronting rapidly evolving security challenges, including cybercrime, trafficking in persons, terrorism and transnational criminal syndicates.
Leadership
Inspector General Joseph Shikongo used the event to welcome diplomats to what he called “an occasion of great national significance”, stressing that Namibia takes the Interpol campaign seriously and is prepared to intensify its engagements ahead of voting day.
Shikongo highlighted Nainda’s role on the Interpol Executive Committee and described her as a symbol of “professionalism, integrity, gender representation and African solidarity.”
He added that Namibia is ready to provide “a leader capable of fostering innovation, inclusivity, collaboration and gender mainstreaming” at the global policing level.
With Interpol having had only one female president in more than 100 years, he said the moment is right for the world to embrace a new kind of leadership.
“We believe it is time for another woman, and time for Africa. Namibia is offering a leader capable of fostering innovation, inclusivity and effective international collaboration,” he said.
He also reminded diplomats that Namibia’s campaign is part of a broader diplomatic engagement strategy designed to secure strong global backing before voting day.
Safety and security minister Iipumbu commended Nainda and the police force for their “relentless effort” in the campaign. She expressed deep appreciation to President Nandi-Ndaitwah for championing the bid at bilateral meetings during the UN General Assembly and across multiple global platforms. “To receive the support of Her Excellency, the President of the country, and for her to be the advocate and champion of this campaign is not something we take lightly,” Iipumbu said.
She acknowledged the “good camaraderie” from counterparts in Africa and beyond during the campaign trail, saying Namibia has encountered “maturity and readiness for competition” rather than hostility in the race for the presidency.
Iipumbu urged diplomats to help “intensify the dialogue” in the coming weeks, insisting that Namibia is prepared for the responsibility of extending its policing leadership to the global stage. “We are almost there… The dialogue should not end here. She is not walking alone; she is walking with all of us,” she said.
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