Violence and intimidation monitor

The Violence and Intimidation Monitor will log cases of election-related violence and intimidation as reported in the media and by human rights organisations. Where the motives or causes of an incident are a matter of dispute, this will be noted in the log.

November 22 2009 - Swapo and RDP supporters clashed in Walvis Bay following an RDP rally in the township of Kuisebmond. Rival supporters threw stones and beer bottles at each other but were dispersed by the police.

November 16 2009 - The Congress of Democrats (CoD) complained that their campaign activities at Aussenkehr (in the Karas region) had been broken up by Swapo supporters while their campaign materials had been defaced and destroyed in Oshakati.

November 13 2009 - There was a tense stand-off between Swapo and RDP supporters in the Orwetoveni suburb at Otjiwarongo which was diffused by the police, according to NBC radio

November 8 2009 - The police confiscated eight pistols, a shotgun, nine knives, four machetes, a hammer, and an axe among other weapons from people going to the RDP rally at Outapi. The police arrested three people during the clashes at the town.

November 8 2009 - RDP and Swapo supporters threw stones at each other at Outapi after Swapo supporters confronted RDP activists who has arrived at the town to attend a rally.

November 6 2009 - The RDP said its members had been physically attacked and intimidated during recent mobilisation campaigns in Windhoek, Mix Camp, Okahao and Grootfontein.

October 28 2009 - The police confirmed that a group of Swapo supporters blocked RDP mobilisers from campaigning at Onesi village in the Omusati region.

October 27 2009 - About 300 Swapo supporters blocked RDP mobilisers from campaigning in Outapi, Omusati region, according to a report in The Namibian. Swapo activists claimed the RDP members had used provocative language when seeking to recruit supporters.

Sept 26 2009 - Stones were thrown at RDP supporters attending a rally in Oshakati by youths dressed in Swapo t-shirts.

Sept 19 2009 - Speaking at an election rally at Ongwediva, founding President Sam Nujoma urged Swapo supporters to attack British citizens with hammers in a clear violation of the code of conduct for political parties

Feb 19 2009 – Hardap Governor Katrina Hanse-Himarwa reportedly urged Swapo supporters in the region to “never allow any political party, or any enemy, in any form, or any nature, or any shape and or any colour to invade this territory, which we have declared a Swapo Party territory” at a party rally at Gochas.

Feb 8 2009 – Police had to fire warning shots in Havana, Katutura to prevent clashes between Swapo and RDP supporters.

Feb 7 2009 – Violence broke out between Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) and Swapo supporters at Onyaanya in the Oshikoto region. An RDP supporter laid a charge of attempted murder with the police. The origins of the clash were disputed.

Feb 1 2009 – The All People’s Party (APP) claimed one of its members had been assaulted by a Swapo party official who was refusing to register non-Swapo supporters for drought aid in the Kavango region. Swapo denied the accusation.

Nov 22 2008 – Swapo supporters tried to prevent APP members from holding a meeting in Greenwell Matongo, Katutura

Nov 22 2008 – Several hundred Swapo supporters prevented the RDP from holding a rally at Outapi in the Omusati region

Nov 15 2008 – A group of Swapo supporters prevented the All Peoples Party (APP) from holding a rally in Hakahana, Katutura.

Oct 29 2008 – A teargas canister was thrown into the yard of the RDP candidate for the Tobias Hainyeko by-election, Erasmus Hendjala, in Okuryangava, Katutura. No arrests were made.

Oct 25 2008 – A house belonging to the Secretary of the RDP’s Women’s League, Agnes Limbo, burnt down in Katima Mulilo. The police are investigating a possible case of arson. Two of Limbo’s relatives died in the blaze. It is not clear if the fire was connected to Limbo’s political affiliation.

Oct 18 2008 – The police had to use teargas to disperse a crowd of about 150 Swapo supporters intending to stop an RDP rally in Katutura. At least six people were arrested and several pistols were confiscated.