As the country faces a domestic and global economic downturn, President Hage Geingob has called Namibians to strive towards building the country as one Namibia, saying young people are more tribalist which is frightening.

Speaking during his visit to the Bank of Namibia (BoN) on Wednesday, Geingob said “the worst [is], surprisingly, young educated Namibians are the ones fuelling and driving tribalism” after 32 years of independence.

Namibians, he said, have become more insensitive toward the next countrymen/women due to tribalism, stressing that even employment is now offered based on tribes.

Geingob fumed that nation-building cannot happen with the current trajectory of tribalism, saying as Namibia and the world at large are facing economic challenges there is a need to pull in one direction [Harambee] in order to achieve socio-economic development.

“Things are bad, however, there is hope, and things are going to get better. The future is there, especially with the green hydrogen project, and the discovered oil, but only if we pull in one direction,” he said.

President Geingob noted that the Namibia of 32 years ago is not the same as that of today, therefore it is important for Namibians to have faith in the future of the country through the unity of ‘One Namibia’.

“Let us build this Namibian house, it is the only place and country we can call home. But we need to start holding hands and move in one direction, that is the future of Namibia,” he said.

The Head of State’s visit was aimed at engaging the central bank on its operations and functions.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency