Interference comments questioned
The statement by President Hage Geingob in The Namibian of 30 May 2023 warning locals not to interfere in the green hydrogen project being developed in Tsau//Khaeb National Park is deeply concerning to the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC).As a democracy, we should pride ourselves on upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of our citizens to the fullest. This statement regrettably suggests that the President is willing to disregard those values in order to push through a controversial project that will have a massive impact on the citizens of this country.
The President’s warning sends a chilling and worrying message to those who may have concerns about the environmental impact of the project, or who feel that their voices are not being heard. It suggests that the government is willing to use its power to silence dissent, rather than sincerely engaging with citizens and addressing their valid concerns in a democratic and transparent manner.
We also note that the President’s warning comes at a time when there are serious questions about the environmental and economic viability of the green hydrogen project. This makes it all the more important that citizens are allowed to express their views and engage in an open and honest debate about the project. We urgently call on the President to retract his statement and commit to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their views on the green hydrogen project.
We believe that a truly democratic society requires open and honest debate, especially for a matter of such enormity, and that citizens should be allowed to express their views without fear, favour or retribution.
We also note the regrettable comments about the Epupa project by suggesting that the challenges faced by the community are of their own making. We trust that this was not the intention.
* Toni Hancox is the director of the Legal Assistance Centre and issued this statement by the Land, Environment and Development department of the LAC.
** Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Namibia Media Holdings adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.