Obed Mudabeti unpacks calls for the secession of the Zambezi region
June 19, 2025
The Namibian government has issued a firm warning in response to a recent demonstration by the banned United Democratic Party (UDP), which reignited calls for the secession of the Zambezi region. The protest, held in Katima Mulilo, was led by senior UDP members demanding the withdrawal of Namibian security forces, the return of exiled leader Mishake Muyongo, and the handover of the region to UDP leadership.
Executive Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Audrin Mathe, has reiterated that any attempt to destabilise the country’s territorial integrity will be met with the “full force of the law.” Meanwhile, voices on the ground—including civil movements like Zambezi Lives Matter—continue to raise grievances over historical injustices, political repression, and socio-economic exclusion.
We spoke to Obed Mudabeti, leader of Zambezi Lives Matter, to get his reaction to these developments, understand the civil perspective in the region, and explore how calls for justice and rights can be addressed without triggering state confrontation.
