Despite objections from the Affirmative Repositioning party questioning the legitimacy of the selection process, four members of the Namibian parliament were sworn in on Monday as representatives to the Pan-African Parliament.
The swearing-in took place during the opening of the fifth ordinary session of the sixth Parliament of the continental body in Midrand, South Africa.
According to a media release from Parliament, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Phillipus Katamelo, together with MPs Uahekua Herunga from the Swapo Party, Anseline Beukes from the Landless People's Movement (LPM), and the Independent Patriots for Change's (IPC) Rodney Cloete, took the oath of office to represent Namibia at the PAP.
They join Swapo National Council MP Gerhard Shiimi, who has served in the continental institution since 2021.
Parliament stated that the appointments were made by both houses, in line with the Protocol of the Pan-African Parliament, which requires member states to designate five parliamentarians, with at least one being a woman.
Parliament further stated that the composition reflects political diversity.
The current session, which runs until 1 August, comes under the African Union's 2025 theme, Justice for Africans and Persons of African Descent Through Reparations.
The session is expected to focus on topics such as peace and security on the continent, the state of governance, Africa's position in the global financial system, and regional integration.
Meetings of regional caucuses, including Southern Africa, are also scheduled to take place.
However, the nominations have drawn criticism from the Affirmative Repositioning party, which has questioned the legitimacy of the appointments.
In a letter dated 19 July and addressed to the secretary of the National Assembly, AR chief whip Vaino Hangula argued that the process of designating members to international bodies had not yet been finalised by the National Assembly.
The letter cited internal parliamentary communications, including a 19 May memorandum and a postponed meeting of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders, as evidence that the required procedures had not been completed.
AR claims that the designation of the current PAP members was not endorsed by the committee and alleges that the appointments are irregular and not in compliance with the rules of the National Assembly.
The party has called for the immediate withdrawal of the designations and a public correction.
National Assembly spokesperson Sackeus Kadhikwa said they are still busy with a response to AR's objections.
