By: Staff Writer
The official opposition leader, McHenry Venaani, held a telephonic conference with the minister of International Relations and Cooperation, serving as the deputy Prime Minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The teleconference was focused on Namibian citizens and students in Ukraine.
The meeting was necessitated by the fact that many Africans have experienced racism meted against them at the borders in pursuit of safety and a way out of the war-torn eastern European country.
Venaani was particularly concerned that Namibians in Ukraine would be subject to such racial abuse while attempting to evacuate the war zone.
Nandi-Ndaitwah informed Venaani that there are currently 114 Namibians in Ukraine.
Venaani said she could not provide him with an accurate figure regarding Namibians who have already safely passaged out of Ukraine.
It is believed that about 40 Namibians have already made their way out of Ukraine and crossed into Poland, towards Romania.
Venaani “impressed upon her to establish a data centre at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation to track the Namibians in Ukraine,” said the office of the official opposition.
Nandi-Ndaitwah informed Venaani that the government had sanctioned the departure of two Namibian representatives [one to Poland and another to Romania] to facilitate the arrival of those students in those countries.
She further informed him that she had penned a formal communique to the government of Poland, soliciting assistance for these students and issuance of visas for them.
The governments of Namibia, Zambia and South Africa have agreed to coordinate the evacuation of Namibians still in the country jointly.
Venaani was also informed that there are four students stranded in the north-eastern city of Sumy, Ukraine.
“These students are believed to be running dangerously low on food supplies and further possess no travel documents. As such, a concerted effort shall be thought out to best assist them.
As the official opposition, Venaani and the PDM remain committed to ensuring the safe passage of the Namibian citizenry who find themselves stranded in the war zone.”
He further wishes them strength in these times of uncertainty and ensures that all possible routes are being explored to ensure the safe return of all our citizenry.
Meanwhile, the international relations ministry has urged all Namibian nationals stranded in Ukraine to inform the relevant authorities accordingly.
Parents or relatives of stranded Namibians are requested to assist MIRCO with all relevant information.
“MIRCO is in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) as well as the Ministries of Higher Education and Vocational Training; Finance; Home Affairs and Immigration and Safety and Security, and Defence to ensure the safe repatriation of all Namibian Nationals back home,” said MIRCO ED, Penda Naanda.
