NAMIBIA: Caprivi secessionist leaders leave for Denmark

Denmark has granted residence rights to two Namibian secessionist leaders that had sought political asylum in Botswana, UNHCR told IRIN on Thursday. Former opposition leader Mishake Muyongo and Chief Boniface Mamili left Botswana on Monday for Denmark. Thirteen other separatist leaders, among the 2,500 Caprivians that fled Namibia for Botswana last year claiming persecution at home, are awaiting confirmation of which Western countries are to accept them. Botswana granted the men asylum on condition they left for a third country. Namibia had demanded their repatriation to face trial on treason and murder charges. A UNHCR official said the fate of the 15 men was significant: "This is the entire political and traditional leadership of the Caprivians." Among their followers sheltered at Dukwe refugee camp in Botswana, seven have returned home and some 30 have requested repatriation. "We definitely feel that the durable solution is repatriation. It will take time but we definitely feel that repatriation needs to be promoted," the official said. The churches have intervened to build confidence and reconciliation between the Caprivians and the Namibian government. UNHCR is also set to monitor their return. "The ordinary Caprivians with sufficient promotion could go back," the official added.