Namibian President Sam Nujoma fired his foreign minister and deputy foreign minister late on Monday ahead of a ruling party congress where Nujoma’s successor will be elected, the state broadcaster reported.
The Namibia Broadcasting Corporation interrupted the popular television programme ”Talk of the Nation” to report that Nujoma had ”relieved Foreign Affairs Minister Hidipo Hamutenya and his deputy, Kaire Mbuende from their duties” with immediate affect.
No reasons were given.
Hamutenya was given the foreign affairs portfolio during a surprise cabinet reshuffle in August 2002 after being at the helm of the ministry of trade and industry for six years.
Hamutenya (64) was elected in April as one of the three candidates of the ruling South West Africa Peoples’ Organisation from whom a successor to Nujoma will be chosen this coming weekend at an extraordinary party congress.
Nujoma is expected to step down when Namibia holds presidential elections later this year. – Sapa-AFP