Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
The history of the Republic of Namibia informs more about its peaceful foreign relations than its conflicting nature. Although the country had its part of political and territorial confrontations in the recent past, it is currently an independent state, member of international unions and in close and active relations with its neighbors. The Republic of Namibia was under German occupation since 1884 up until the termination of the World War 1, when it was passed under South Africa’s control, which imposed its apartheid policy. Nevertheless, during the times of the foreign occupations, the Republic of Namibia faced a war of independence, which implied the arming of guerilla fighters that opposed the apartheid rule. The apartheid government of South Africa was finally escaped in 1990 when Republic of Namibia gained its independence, after the New York Accords from 1988, which also ended the war of independence.
Surrounded by the African revolts, regional tensions and conflicts, especially those from Zambia and Angola, and international political instabilities that result in political crisis or revolutions, such as the recent Arab Spring, it is no wonder that Republic of Namibian takes a defensive approach. The country invests an impressive part of its gross domestic product in arms and military force for defending its national territory and the state’s interest. Around 5% of its GDP was invested in military during the course of 2015, overpassing the surrounding countries in arms expenditure.
Moreover, in the recent international discussions and negotiations about the implementation of missile defense systems across Europe and Africa that United States is planning, the Republic of Namibia would show a significant interest. This plan would answer its needs and constitutional requirements of protecting its national territory. While the missile defense system would upgrade this country’s military programs, there should not be neglected the consequences of implementing this defense system.
Russia showed concerns about this program initiated by NATO, indicating that it may lead to unwanted arm race and implicitly mutual damages. Moreover, the Russian officials expressed their intrigue in relation with the NATO’s missile defense program that it is programmed to be implemented in Europe and Africa, advancing a nuclear threat for the territories of the countries that would deploy this defense system. In this context, not only Russia would oppose to a missile defense system, but soon other significant world powers, such as China or Arabian countries might reveal hostile responses in relation with this program.
For the Republic of Namibia, the missile defense system could also generate tensions with the neighboring countries and could impede further political and economic collaborations with other countries. Currently, for Namibia it is of great importance to optimize its resources and its friendly political and economic relationships for bringing the country out of the high poverty rates.
Through the international agreements wherein the Republic of Namibia is a member, such as NATO, Commonwealth of Nations or the Southern African Development Community, Namibia should be encouraged and guided to pursue sustainability goals related to economic development, education and health. Maintaining friendly relations with foreign partner countries and establishing new collaboration opportunities, with Asian or Arabian states should create a shift from the missile defense system issue. The Disarmament and International Security Committee should advise the Republic of Namibia to redirect the significant expenses on arms and military system should towards deploying sustainable international political and economic relationships.
