The University of Namibia ( UNAM ) says it upholds its position regarding political activities on its campuses , including the main campus in the capital . In April 2024 , the university issued a directive prohibiting all political activities on its campuses nationwide . This decision faced widespread criticism , as analysts and political parties accused the national university of suppressing freedom of political association . On Monday , the police were called to the UNAM main campus to restore order after a group of youths from the Landless People ‘ s Movement ( LPM ) gathered at the university main gate to express their frustration . They were particularly angry when it emerged that a student society affiliated with the Swapo Party Youth League was permitted to conduct political activities despite the ban . During the fray Monday , LPM member and activist Michael Amushelelo was arrested for alleged damage to property , however , he was later released . UNAM spokesperson Simon Namesho on Tuesday explained
that the commotion happened at the time the university management was scheduled to engage student societies and clubs with political affiliations . ‘ However , non – student members of the Landless People ‘ s Movement political party attempted to join the engagement and conduct political activities on campus without authorisation . ‘ The university denied access to these non – student members , leading to a temporary disruption of campus entry . Following discussions between university management and LPM leaders , in the presence of the Namibian Police , the situation was resolved amicably , and normal access to the campus was restored ,’ Namesho said in a statement . However , LPM youth command spokesperson William Minnie has accused UNAM of favouring the ruling Swapo Party . ‘ It is clear that only one political party is above the law at UNAM , and it ‘ s the same corrupt crew that has been suffocating this country for decades ,’ Minnie said in a statement on Monday . The youth wing of the Popular Democrati
c Movement charged the UNAM main campus as being ‘ the political playground by the Swapo Youth League and their affiliates ‘. ‘ This is a flagrant violation of the university ‘ s instructions , which clearly prohibits political party activities on campus . Yet , UNAM has clearly turned a blind eye , selectively enforcing this ban in favour of Swapo while silencing other political groups ,’ said Inajovandu Katjepunda , spokesperson of the PDM Youth League .
Source:The Namibia News Agency