Landless People’s Movement Leader Criticizes Oil Ownership Claims

In a recent public meeting held in Windhoek, Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi criticized National Planning Commission director general Obeth Kandjoze for his comments suggesting that the recently discovered oil in Namibia does not belong to Namibians. Swartbooi argued that such statements undermine national sovereignty and cater to foreign investors. He emphasized that the oil resources should benefit the local population, drawing comparisons to oil-rich nations like Qatar.
Swartbooi also highlighted LPM’s commitment to addressing socio-economic issues in Namibia, including the introduction of a basic income grant and youth employment initiatives. He called for compensation for soldiers of the South West African Territorial Force (SWATF) and the South West Africa Police counter-insurgency unit (Koevet), criticizing the government for neglecting these groups while compensating Plan fighters.
At the rally, Swartbooi promised to create jobs, improve the economy, and provide hunger grants to address food insecurity. He positioned LPM as a viable alternative to the current government, which he claims has failed to meet the needs of the Namibian people. His speech was met with enthusiastic support from LPM followers, who were clad in party regalia and expressed their support through chants and slogans. The rally was part of LPM’s campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections in November.