Africa-Press – Namibia. Niël Terblanché THE Heads of State of Namibia and Botswana will henceforth chair a Bi-National Commission on Defence and Security to further consolidate existing cooperation through continuous deliberations on political, economic, societal, environmental, defence and security issues, as well as to implement decisions that leverage peace and security in the two states.
This decision was taken during the 29th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (Nam/Bots JPCDS) that took place in Swakopmund this week.
The elevation of the commission to the level of a BNC will expedite and enhance the decision-making process, thereby improving implementation of such decisions.
The Commission deliberated on various political, economic, societal, environmental, defence and security issues, which have occurred in the two countries since the last session that took place in Gaborone at the beginning of last year.
In this regard, the Commission noted that harmony, stability and good neighbourliness continue to characterise the peaceful co-existence between the two countries.
During the meeting, the Commission considered and deliberated on cross border crimes such as tax evasion, under valuation of imported vehicles and smuggling of second-hand clothing.
The Commission also noted with appreciation the decline of incidences of cross border poaching and associated wildlife crimes, due to sharing of intelligence and joint patrols along the common border between Namibia and Botswana.
The Commission undertook to continue sharing information with regard to law enforcement to remain resilient in the fight against crime. The Commission urged the governments of both countries to expedite the implementation of the Agreement on the Facilitation of Persons residing in Impalila Island and Kasika Villages and have it operational by December 2021.
The Commission further urged the powers that be to finalise the establishment of the Joint Technical Committee on the use of National Identity Cards for cross border travel.
The Commission requested both governments to expedite the consultations and implementation on the issue of the 24-hour operation and One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Concept at Mamuno and the Trans-Kalahari border posts.
In the same vein, the Commission urged both governments to harmonise the Fisheries Legislation, expedite consultations on the Boundary Treaty processes, as well as to fast-track the formalisation of the working relations between the Veterinary Authorities of both countries.
The Commission welcomed the outcome of the joint visit to the Zambezi Region and Chobe District by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation at the start of September this year.
The visit re-enforced the importance of peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness along the common border. The Commission noted with regret and sadness the unfortunate incident that resulted in the death of the three Nchindo brothers and their Zambian cousin along the Chobe River.
In order to bring closure, the Commission welcomed the conclusion of the joint investigation, and that the Botswana Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has initiated legal proceedings into the matter.
The Commission also welcomed the deployment of additional resources in the Zambezi Region of the Republic of Namibia and Chobe District of the Republic of Botswana to combat cross border crimes.
The Commission commended the undertaking by the Commanders of the Defence Forces of both countries to meet with immediate effect in order to review and enhance the coordination of operations in that area.
The delegation of the Republic of Namibia was led by Frans Kapofi, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, while Thomas Kagiso Mmusi, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security led the delegation from Botswana.
