wfn.org | Struggle against poverty follows Namibian struggle against apartheid

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

Prime Minister Hage G. Geingob visits LWF

GENEVA, 9 July 1998 (lwi) - After Namibia's struggle for freedom and
independence, its economic sector needs to be strengthened and its poverty
fought against, Prime Minister of Namibia Hage G. Geingob said in
conversations with Lutheran World Federation (LWF) staff here, June 29.

Geingob who, as he put it, was visiting "old friends" emphasized the role
of the churches, both past and present in Namibia. Referring to the support
given by the LWF during the struggle against the apartheid regime there, he
said the churches had helped both spiritually and through supporting their
efforts. Concerning the country's present situation and economic
challenges, Geingob called upon the international community of churches to
support community and grassroots projects and to show solidarity with the
Namibian churches. He stressed that those who support the churches also
strengthen the civil society.

For Geingob, another important role of the churches is their work in the
area of peace-keeping and conflict prevention. He referred to the border
dispute between Namibia and Botswana. Both countries have reached a point
where they are ready to discuss the issue.

LWF General Secretary Ishmael Noko, in cooperation with the two national
Christian umbrella organizations, the Council of Churches in Namibia and
the Botswana Christian Council, in April initiated a conference in Kempton
Park, South Africa, with the aim of contributing to a detente in the border
dispute. The islands in the Sedudu and Linyanti rivers are at the core of
the dispute (see LWI 7 for 16 April 1998, p. 6).

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Lutheran World Information
Editorial Assistant: Janet Bond-Nash
E-mail: jbn@lutheranworld.org
http://www.lutheranworld.org/