Opuwo: Longstanding disputes over traditional leadership in the Kunene Region are increasingly hampering governance, delaying the recognition of rightful chiefs and slowing critical development programmes meant to uplift local communities. Speaking during the second round of consultative meetings on traditional authority disputes on Tuesday in Opuwo, Kunene Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua said urgent intervention is needed to restore unity and administrative order.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Muharukua said competing claims for the same chieftaincy positions have placed his office in a difficult position. 'It becomes an untenable position for a governor when two or even three individuals apply for recognition to the same position,' he said. He explained that the law requires only one legitimate leader to be affirmed, making it impossible to endorse multiple applicants for the same traditional authority role.
The governor warned that such disputes continue to delay key government initiatives, including land administration, economic development, and service delivery across affected communities. 'When there is a dispute, it means one person is not entitled while the other is. These disagreements hold entire communities hostage,' Muharukua said.
The consultations are addressing disputes within several traditional authorities, including the Vita Thom and Muhona Okatiti (Epembe) royal houses, where succession and leadership disagreements have persisted for years. The meeting was attended by representatives of these traditional authorities, alongside other community leaders. These unresolved conflicts have created administrative bottlenecks, preventing formal recognition and gazetting of traditional leaders, and limiting their participation in governance structures.
Muharukua said the ongoing engagements form part of a structured process aimed at finding lasting solutions through dialogue and inclusivity among affected families and community representatives. He stressed that the consultations are not meant to deepen divisions, but to promote reconciliation and collective progress within traditional communities.
The governor further confirmed that similar engagements will continue in Kunene south as part of a broader regional intervention to stabilise traditional governance systems. Muharukua urged all parties to engage in good faith and prioritise the long-term interests of their communities, adding that unity remains key to unlocking development.