Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Frans Kapofi, took part in the recently concluded United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 conference in Berlin, Germany, where more than 130 member states participated.
The UN Peacekeeping Ministerial conference saw 74 members making pledges of capabilities and support, including military and police units, and capacity-building partnerships.
Speaking at the conference, Kapofi said that in recent years, Namibia has made significant progress in contributing police and military personnel to global peacekeeping efforts.
PICTURED: Some scenes from the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference. Photo: UN Peacekeeping FB page
“Currently, we have six military officers and one police officer, at P4 level, deployed in South Sudan, and four military officers deployed in Abyei. We are particularly proud to see a growing number of Namibian women peacekeepers serving in United Nations missions, as six of the 11 officers on deployment are female. This demonstrates our national commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, which marks 25 years since the adoption of Resolution 1325. With heavy hearts, we pay tribute to those who have fallen in the line of duty, helping countries and communities transition from conflict to peace and security. What is truly unforgivable, however, is the deliberate targeting of peacekeepers, whether by a state or state-sponsored non-state actors involved in a conflict, without consequence,” Kapofi said.
He added that the principal aim of the UN’s efforts is to provide security, shelter, food, and other amenities to people in need—all the people of the world, regardless.
“This is so because the needs of the human race are the same everywhere. The efforts of the UN should therefore not be unfettered by anyone. As we look to the future, it is imperative that we acknowledge the ever-changing challenges that lie before us. Namibia therefore welcomes the United Nations’ Pact for the Future and stands firmly behind the Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) initiative. We support reforms that enhance rapid deployment, integrate gender perspectives, promote accountability, and make better use of data and early warning tools. Our history has taught us a vital lesson: peace is not a mere absence of conflict; it is a lifelong journey that requires unwavering dedication, resilience, and a spirit of collaboration. In this regard, Namibia reaffirms its commitment to continue contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. We will thus continue investing in training and capacity-building initiatives, and prioritise the inclusion of women in peacekeeping efforts,” Kapofi concluded.
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