Namibia’s government dismissed Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security Minister Albert Kawana on April 25, 2025, following allegations of rape leveled against him by a 29-year-old woman, as confirmed by The Namibian and New Era.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah accepted Kawana’s resignation, announced late Thursday, citing the need to maintain public trust in the ruling SWAPO party ahead of the November 2025 general elections. Kawana, a key cabinet member since 2020, denies the accusations, claiming they are politically motivated to tarnish his reputation and SWAPO’s image.
The complainant, whose identity is protected, filed a police report on April 22, 2025, alleging that Kawana assaulted her at a private residence in Windhoek in March 2025, per The Namibian. The Namibian Police Force, led by Inspector-General Joseph Shikongo, confirmed an ongoing investigation, with forensic evidence being analyzed at the National Forensic Science Institute. No charges have been filed as of April 28, pending the investigation’s outcome. Kawana, in a statement via state broadcaster NBC, vowed to cooperate fully, asserting his innocence and citing his 30-year legal career as a former Attorney General.
Mbumba appointed Deputy Minister Daniel Kashikola as acting minister, emphasizing continuity in the ministry responsible for policing and immigration. The dismissal has sparked debate, with opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), demanding transparency and swift justice. IPC leader Panduleni Itula criticized SWAPO for allegedly shielding allies, referencing past unresolved scandals, per New Era. Women’s rights groups, such as the Namibia Gender Advocacy Network, praised the government’s action but urged stronger protections for survivors, noting that only 7% of reported rape cases in Namibia lead to convictions, per 2024 police statistics.
Kawana’s exit is a blow to SWAPO, which has governed since independence in 1990 but faces growing opposition amid economic challenges like 12% unemployment and a 4% GDP growth forecast for 2025, per the Bank of Namibia. The scandal could erode voter confidence, especially among women, a key demographic. Kawana, who holds a PhD in law, was instrumental in drafting Namibia’s anti-corruption laws, making the allegations particularly damaging. The government has pledged a fair investigation, but public scrutiny remains high as Namibia navigates this high-profile case in a critical election year.