This past weekend I experienced something I’ve never experienced before: a political rally. But this wasn’t just any political rally. This was for SWAPO.

SWAPO (South-West Africa People’s Organization) has officially been in power in Namibia since 1990, when Namibia

A man raises his fist as a sign of support for SWAPO

achieved its independence. SWAPO got its start in 1962 as a nationalist movement and it played an instrumental role in gaining Namibia’s independence through use of guerilla attacks to fight the South African military.

SWAPO has been accused of torturing and committing other human rights abuses against suspected spies during the struggle for independence. SWAPO denies these accusations, although there are many pieces of criminalizing evidence.

After independence and after SWAPO became the dominant political party, Sam Nujoma was elected as Namibia’s first president. He changed the constitution so that he could run for a third term in 1999. In 2004, he was replaced by Hifikepunye Pohama, who many describe as Nujoma’s hand-picked successor. He is still in office.

History lesson aside, what you should know is that SWAPO is still dominant in politics here. They usually receive about 75% of the vote at each election and it does not look like they will be out of power any time soon. There is great loyalty toward the party from people all over Namibia because they led the country to independence. However, now they are abusing their power and instead of focusing on developing the country, developing themselves and their political prowess.

A convoy of children arrived to attend and perform at the rally

The rally I attended was just up the street from our house. It looked like a party: loud music, dancing, singing. It was appealing. The afternoon started off with some announcements and introductions of new council members. Then we moved on to an address by Sam Nujoma’s son, Utoni Nujoma (who, by the way, is now the Deputy Minister of Justice as well as a representative in the National Assembly).

It is amazing how much so many of the people worship this guy’s dad, and thus him. A direct quote that was made by one of the council members about Sam Nujoma was “Nelson Mandela and Sam Nujoma were the same leaders, just marketed differently.” Fascinating.

The entire event was spirited and focused on the incredible things that party has done. At least one every 5 minutes someone would shout “Viva, SWAPO, Viva!” either from the audience, the podium, or from their cars as they passed on the street. SWAPO clothing was everywhere and I stood out in my pearl earrings and rose-colored dress from New York & Co (Hey, I’d just come from church!). Fists were raised and pumped and thrown in the air. Children, brought and indoctrinated by their parents, danced to praise SWAPO’s name. An incredible sight to see.

My experience at the SWAPO rally really capped off my semester of studying Namibian politics. We have been talking about all the struggles Namibia has been having and all of the challenges it will have in the future. It hasn’t been hard for us to see that in order to develop this country SWAPO is going to have to lose its power and make room for another party more focused on developing the nation, not itself.