Community Outrage Over Lockout from Presidential Inauguration

Residents of Havana are upset over the decision to hold Independence Day celebrations and the inauguration of Namibia’s fifth president at State House, limiting public attendance due to space constraints and expected heavy rains. Community members expressed disappointment as they were unable to witness the inauguration in person, leading to tensions outside the venue.

Residents of an informal settlement in Havana have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the government’s decision to relocate Namibia’s Independence Day celebrations and the swearing-in ceremony of the fifth president to State House. This change is attributed to anticipated heavy rainfall in the central region of Namibia, as announced by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

The ministry stated that due to limited capacity and the presence of numerous international guests, the public would be unable to attend the 35th Independence celebrations and the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, which is not what many anticipated.

Community member Karin Matheus, aged 45, lamented, “We wanted to see our president inaugurated.” Another resident, Elise Paulus, 34, voiced her disappointment, stating, “We are unhappy. We voted for her, we wanted to see her inaugurated.”

Complications arose at State House when a scuffle ensued as some individuals were denied entry due to the limited number of attendees permitted.

The decision to hold the Independence Day celebrations and presidential inauguration at State House has drawn ire from local residents who feel excluded from a significant event. Despite concerns over weather conditions, community members like Karin Matheus and Elise Paulus have expressed their disappointment, emphasizing their desire to witness the inauguration of their chosen leader. Ultimately, logistical challenges led to tensions outside the venue as entry restrictions were enforced.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na