New protests against attacks on Namibian gays

International human rights group Amnesty International said it was concerned that recent statements by Namibian President Sam Nujoma may lead to the persecution of individuals identified as lesbian or gay and to further attacks on human rights groups advocating support for lesbian and gay rights.

“The Government of Namibia is obliged to fully protect the rights of all its people, including gays and lesbians. Public officials must not incite discrimination, hostility or violence against members of sexual minorities,” Andrew Anderson, Amnesty International’s Africa program director said in a statement. On 19 March Nujoma told students from the University of Namibia:

“The Republic of Namibia does not allow homosexuality, lesbianism here.

Police are ordered to arrest you, and deport you and imprison you”.

Addressing traditional leaders at the weekend Nujoma urged them to “identify gays and lesbians in their communities so that they could be arrested,” the ‘Namibian’ said on Monday. “We in SWAPO have not fought for an independent Namibia that gives rights to botsotsos (criminals), gays and lesbians to do their bad things here,” Nujoma was quoted as saying.

“Amnesty International considers those imprisoned for their sexual orientation, or for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression and assembly, to be prisoners of conscience,” Anderson added.