Windhoek: Tensions at the National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) have escalated, with party leaders divided over the secretary-general's alliance with the genocide Joint Declaration committee, a position Nudo has historically opposed. At the centre of the trouble is Secretary-General Joseph Uaraa Uapingene, whose recent actions have created a divide within the leadership.

According to Namibia Press Agency, party president Peter Kazongominja issued an ultimatum to Uapingene, demanding that he either commit to the party or resign and join the Joint Declaration committee. For Nudo, the pursuit of justice for the 1904-1908 Ovaherero and Nama genocide is not merely a political issue; it is central to their historical identity. Since negotiations between the German and Namibian governments commenced over five years ago, the party has consistently rejected the bilateral Joint Declaration.

Nudo views the agreement as fundamentally flawed from the outset. The party, whose membership predominantly comprises affected communities, argues that the declaration ignores their core demands - direct participation in negotiations and comprehensive reparations, rather than Germany's current financial offer. When news of Uapingene's alignment with the committee spread, it sent shockwaves through the party.

In a recent interview with Nampa, Uapingene asserted that his involvement was based on a mandate from the Ovaherero Traditional Authority faction led by Chief Hoze Riruako, which appointed him to the Joint Declaration process. "I was appointed by default under Chief Riruako, who requested my service. I will refrain from responding to Nudo's ultimatum while their investigation is ongoing," he said.

Kazongominja distanced the party from its secretary-general, asserting that the party had clearly communicated to its members and the public that Uapingene's actions were entirely unauthorised and contradicted the party's established position against the declaration. "We are investigating this matter and there is truth to this rumour; he must choose between serving the party or the traditional formation. He cannot do both as his position contradicts the party's principles and our collective beliefs regarding the JD," Kazongominja asserted.

He affirmed that Nudo's position on the Joint Declaration is unwavering, noting that it undermines the very constituents it aims to represent. He further insisted that if Uapingene wishes to continue as party SG, he must renounce his involvement in the Joint Declaration committee and align himself with the party's established position.

Former Nudo SG, Joseph Kauandenge, also weighed in on the contentious issue, highlighting that Uapingene's decision was misguided. "The mere fact that he has joined a government-sponsored committee while the vast majority of members in Nudo don't support this committee, is political suicide," Kauandenge asserted.