Problems faced by SW APO in the liberation of Namibia

·         Problems faced by SW APO in the liberation of Namibia

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·         SWAPO, like any other organization struggling for independence met several problems. South Africa presented most of the problems, as the foregoing treatment will portray;

·         South Africa sought to cut off any external support for SWAPO, for example South Africa assisted UNlTA to fight against the MPLA, which was supporting SWAPO.

·         South Africa delayed leaving Namibia saying they could only withdraw if Cuba withdrew from Angola. something thing was too difficult at the time.

·         Since the Second World War the South African government looked at South West Africa as a fifth province of the union, they refused to recognize the ideas made by UN withdraw.

·         Not all Namibians were in favor of the independence, which SW APO wanted. e.g. some white Namibians fought alongside South African forces against SW APO guerrillas. Some Namibians resented a post independent Namibia dominated by SWAPO.

·         SWAPO suffered air raids from South Africa for example in 1978 the South African forces raided the SW APO base at Kassinga inside Angola.

·         Apartheid was fully extended to Namibia as it acted as a colonial policy of "divide and rule" which under mined the struggle.

·         Organizations like OAU and UNO were very slow to address the problems of SW APO and Namibia in order to enforce dialogue. The western countries also supported South Africa against the Namibians.

·         Achievements of SWAPO 1960 to 1988

·         Formed in 1960.

·         Demanded for independence of Nambia

·         Received support and sympathy of OAU and UNO.

·         Worked with other nationalist organizations in Namibia.

·         Cooperation with other nationalist movements in Africa

·         Organised protest rallies, boycotts and riots.

·         Sensitized Africans in Namibia about the independence question.

·         Adopted armed struggle to bring change in Namibia.

·         Sent its recruits for training in Zambia. Algeria, Tanzania, Egypt and USSR.

·         Was recognized by the Communist states like USSR, China, North Korea and Cuba.

·         It inaugurated the SWAPO - Women and Youth Leagues'.

·         Formed its armed wing - the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN)

·         Resisted UN verdict of June 1971 which upheld Namibia's Sovereignty.

·         Encouraged nation-wide strikes by workers and peasants.

·         Was recognized by all people of Namibia.

·         Established external bases in Angola for military training by 1976.

·         Refused to accept the Turnhalle Proposals of 1975 (suggested that Nambia should obtain independence from South Africa at the end of 1978).

·         Was determined in its quest for independence

·         SWAPO boycotted the 1978 elections.

·         Combined war with reforms for the peasant people.

·         It successfully disorganized the South African army base in Namibia by 1980.

·         Was recognized by the Front Line states.

·         Accept negotiations for an independent Namibia in 1980's

·         In 1980's SWAPO was recognised by the capitalist states.

·         Accepted the declaration of a Cease- fire and a seven month transition period leading to general elections of Namibia in 1989.

·         Its leader Sam Nujoma contested and won the independence election on 21^st March 1990.

·         Since 1990 it remained a dominant political organization in Namibian politics.

·         It did not succumb to ethnics/ tribalism.

·         Was massively supported by largely all the people of Namibia.