Namibia's National Society for Human Rights (NSHR)...
Namibia's National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) condemned a warning by Defence Minister Erkki Nghimtina that anybody found "collaborating" with Angolan UNITA rebels would be shot on sight
Namibia's National Society for Human Rights (NSHR) condemned a warning by Defence Minister Erkki Nghimtina that anybody found "collaborating" with Angolan UNITA rebels would be shot on sight.
NSHR condemned as unconstitutional "the pronounced policy of shoot-on-sight anyone perceived to be collaborating with the alleged enemies".
Nghimtina reportedly made the remarks in the insecure northern Kavango region, which borders Angola, when addressing a consultative meeting of government officials, representatives of the private sector, and regional and traditional leaders, the NSHR statement said.
According to the NSHR, the minister's comments have provided credence to the human rights group's allegations that Namibian forces in southeast Angola had carried out "massacres, enforced disappearances and summary executions" of civilians suspected of siding with UNITA. Namibian troops operate inside Angola in a bid to prevent the rebels from crossing into Kavango.
NSHR condemned as unconstitutional "the pronounced policy of shoot-on-sight anyone perceived to be collaborating with the alleged enemies".
Nghimtina reportedly made the remarks in the insecure northern Kavango region, which borders Angola, when addressing a consultative meeting of government officials, representatives of the private sector, and regional and traditional leaders, the NSHR statement said.
According to the NSHR, the minister's comments have provided credence to the human rights group's allegations that Namibian forces in southeast Angola had carried out "massacres, enforced disappearances and summary executions" of civilians suspected of siding with UNITA. Namibian troops operate inside Angola in a bid to prevent the rebels from crossing into Kavango.
— SOURCES
- (Sources: Africa News Service, 21/11/2001)