Mukwiilongo refuses to quit

By Stefanus Nashama
Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) leader, Epafras Mukwiilongo, has dismissed growing speculation that he is preparing to retire from politics. Instead, the former parliamentarian said he is returning with unprecedented political energy and renewed fire.

Speaking to Confidente on Monday, Mukwiilongo said he remains committed to leading the fight for economic justice in Namibia, while closely monitoring the actions of the country’s new administration. “I am coming [back] prepared like never seen before. I am active in politics and there is no way I can throw in the towel at this time,” Mukwiilongo stated.

Internal party sources suggests that Mukwiilongo was contemplating stepping down after the NEFF secured only a single seat in the National Assembly during the last general elections. They also cited challenges around his availability to fully manage party affairs.

However, the politician strongly refuted these claims, stating: “I did not go anywhere.” Mukwiilongo explained that his decision to have party deputy leader, Kalimbo Iipumbu, represent the party in the National Assembly was strategic and not an indication of retirement. 

“I just gave him a chance, like what the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) did. That does not mean I am quitting.” 
On his part, Iipumbu marinated that he is unaware of any plans by Mukwiilongo to retire from politics. “I know nothing about Mukwiilongo’s retirement. Those are just rumours based on the fact that he is on the ground while I represent the party in parliament,” Iipumbu said.

He added that Mukwiilongo remains active in leading and managing the party’s affairs from the grassroots level. Weighing in on the issue, political analyst Sakaria Johannes cautioning against underestimating political figures.

“Politicians are hardly ever undermined, as they tend to be strategic in many of the things they do. Politics is a game, no one really knows what he is up to. Let us wait and see,” Johannes said. He acknowledged, however, that it is generally difficult for opposition parties in Namibia to recover once they lose momentum.

“I have never seen an opposition go down and rise again in Namibia. But we cannot undermine anyone. Perhaps he has a strategy that he is working on now that he is more active on the ground.”