Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, summoned representatives from the European Union Delegation and the German Embassy on April 10th, 2024. The summons stemmed from a recent meeting these envoys held with a Namibian opposition leader.
While Namibia allows diplomatic missions to choose their contacts, the government expressed concern over discussions on “issues that are the sole preserve” of Namibia and a foreign power with a non-government official. They view this as a breach of diplomatic protocol and potential interference in domestic affairs.
Minister Mushelenga emphasized Namibia’s expectation that all diplomatic missions adhere to the principles outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). This treaty establishes guidelines for respectful interaction between nations.
The Minister also stressed that Namibia, despite its size, holds equal sovereignty with any other nation. He reassured the envoys that Namibia desires to maintain its warm relations with both the EU and Germany, but these ties must be built on a foundation of mutual respect and recognition of Namibia’s sovereignty.