Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Nick De Voss
Published on 2024-02-29 15:00:00
Namibia’s Independence Day celebrations on 21 March 1990 were highly anticipated, but there was a missing piece to the puzzle. Walvis Bay and the offshore islands were still under the control of colonial South Africa. Additionally, part of the Orange River’s border between Namibia and South Africa, which should have belonged to Namibia according to international law, was also in dispute.
For Namibians, especially those unfamiliar with their history, it would be beneficial to learn about the names of the islands along their coast. These include Albatross, Pomona, Ichaboe, Hollamsbird, Blackrock, Mercury, Seal, Penguin, Halifax, Sinclair, Possession, Plumpudding, and Long Island.
After Namibia gained independence, diplomats began talks with South Africa to address the issue of returning Walvis Bay to Namibia. Nangolo Mbumba was appointed as Namibia’s chief executive officer in the Walvis Bay Joint Administrative Authority (JAA) to oversee the process of reintegrating Walvis Bay into Namibia.
The JAA, established between South Africa and Namibia, set up its offices in Walvis Bay in 1993. Regular meetings were held to discuss various aspects of the transition, including financial, legal, environmental, logistics, health, and infrastructure issues. Collaboration with local communities and leaders in Windhoek was also crucial to the JAA’s mission.
Conversations surrounding education, health, immigration, and the transfer of assets at the Walvis Bay harbor were thoroughly discussed with all involved parties. Prominent residents of Walvis Bay were also engaged in the process to ensure their input was considered.
During the Codesa talks in South Africa in 1993, a resolution was adopted requiring the National Party government to hand over Walvis Bay, its harbor, and offshore islands to Namibia urgently. This resolution coincided with Nangolo Mbumba’s 52nd birthday, marking a significant milestone in the process.
Following the resolution, the two governments worked together to finalize the handover of Walvis Bay to Namibia on 28 February 1994. This marked the completion of Namibia’s territorial independence almost four years after the initial Independence Day celebrations in 1990.
The official handover of Walvis Bay was a significant moment in Namibia’s history, signifying the return of a strategic enclave to its rightful owners. The collaboration between the two governments to address this issue highlights the importance of diplomacy, logistics, legal matters, and administration in resolving complex territorial disputes.
In conclusion, the journey to reclaim Walvis Bay and the offshore islands was a long and intricate process, but it ultimately led to a significant victory for Namibia as a sovereign nation. The handover of Walvis Bay in 1994 marked the completion of Namibia’s territorial independence and the return of a crucial piece of land to its people.
Read the original article on The Namibian
