Ondjiva – Namibian farmers, who illegally occupied land in Angolan territory, have until October this year to regularize their stay in the country, registering with the competent authorities to obtain the necessary licenses for cattle grazing.
The measure is contained in the final communiqué of the meeting held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, Téte António, and the Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in the provinces of Cunene and Owangweana, respectively.
Official data from the Angolan government point to the existence of 3,750 Namibian farmers, who for more than 15 years have illegally occupied pasture areas in the locality of Etale Lomolova, in the east of the municipalities of Namacunde and Cuanhama, Cunene province.
Under the pretext of the practice of transhumance, cattle ranchers set up farms and homes, as well as fenced off several spaces with more than 11,141 animals, distributed in 123 corrals.
Reading the statement, the executive director of Namibia's Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Penda Naanda, said that farmers who illegally fenced land in Angola were told to vacate the relevant areas, as dictated by transhumance rules.
The parties also urged breeders engaged in poaching activities to stop such practices with immediate effect, as it is not only illegal but also a criminal activity.
On the occasion, the ministers stressed that the Republic of Angola as a sovereign State maintains its right to enforce its laws, taking action against any Namibian citizen, including farmers who are involved in illegal activities in national territory.
They also urged local authorities in both countries to work together to raise awareness among communities to ensure that Namibian farmers respect Angola's laws and territorial integrity when grazing their livestock.
They noted that Angola's willingness to allow farmers to graze 'does not mean that they should violate the country's laws, but rather comply with and respect territorial integrity.'
Therefore, they encouraged the provincial governors and authorities of the border regions to reactivate the forum of governors supported by the joint technical group in order to address prevailing issues of mutual interest and concern.
The meeting between the Angolan and Namibian authorities also decided to carry out a joint assessment visit to the places where Namibian farmers have illegally settled to graze their cattle, and must submit a report of the terms of reference by 30 April this year.
For their part, the Namibian farmers thanked the Government of Angola and committed to grazing their cattle in strict compliance with the legislation in force in Angola, as well as reaffirmed their commitment to continue working with the authorities of both countries.
The bilateral agreement on the movement of persons and goods, in force since 1992, provides for the free movement of persons within a radius of up to 60 kilometers from both countries.
Meanwhile, in addition to the issue of farmers, the leaders exchanged views on bilateral issues that include the inaugural session of the Angola-Namibia bi-national commission and the third session of political-diplomatic consultations.
They also discussed the signing of the bilateral cooperation agreement on trade, cattle, meat and meat products, as well as the inauguration of the motor pumps at the Calueque dam and the inauguration of the Cassinga memorial park.
Angola and Namibia share a border length of 1,376 kilometres between the provinces of Cunene, Cuando Cubango and Namibe and the regions of Zambebi, West Okavango, East Okavango, Cunene Region, Omusati and Oshana. FI/LHE/QCB/DOJ
