Windhoek: The president of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Martin Lukato Lukato, has distanced his party from the United Democratic Party's (UDP) Caprivi Strip self-determination agenda.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Lukato emphasized in a social media post that NDP and UDP are distinct political entities with separate ideologies, objectives, and visions. He outlined NDP's focus on combating poverty, unemployment, inequality, and corruption in Namibia, and articulated the party's goals of infrastructure development, economic growth, and national progress.

Lukato stated that NDP is committed to inclusivity, peace, and unity, contrasting it with the UDP's advocacy for the secession and self-determination of the Zambezi Region. He urged Namibians not to conflate NDP with UDP, clarifying that there has been no merger between the two parties and none is anticipated. Lukato requested that NDP not be associated with or held accountable for UDP's initiatives.

Earlier in the week, three UDP members were detained temporarily at the Katima Mulilo Police Station for leading an unauthorized march to the Office of the Zambezi Governor, Lawrence Sampofu, intending to submit a petition. The detainees were released after questioning and advised on proper political procedures.

The UDP supporters assembled at Katima Mulilo Open Market, advocating for the return of exiled leader Mishake Muyongo from Denmark to establish a government. Muyongo, who led a failed secession attempt of the Caprivi Region in August 1999, has been in exile following the quashing of the effort by Namibian forces, resulting in arrests on charges of sedition and treason.

The petition, endorsed by UDP chairperson Vasco Kabata and secretary Ronnicah Sipiho, demands self-determination for the Caprivi Strip/Zambezi Region. Governor Sampofu was unavailable to receive the petition at the time of the UDP demonstration.