Menongue - Angola on Tuesday repatriated some Namibian herders and cattle that were illegally grazing on national territory, especially in eastern Cuando Cubango, a statement of the provincial government said Wednesday, ANGOP has learnt.
The repatriation was witnessed by the Cuando Cubango governor, José Martins, and the Namibian consul general to Cuando Cubango, Bié, Huambo and Moxico, Joseph Mbambo Kaveto.
At the meeting in Menongue, the parties addressed the illegal stay of Namibian citizens in Cuangar municipality, mostly cattle breeders, who enter Angolan territory with their animals for grazing, without proper authorization.
The Angolan government, in collaboration with the Namibian authorities, has devised appropriate mechanisms to repatriate the illegal immigrants, the statement said.
In addition to grazing, adds the statement, there are indications that the Namibians are appropriating land for cultivation and building permanent villages in the areas where they graze, without the authorization of the Angolan authorities.
The representatives of the two governments discussed issues relating, in general, to cooperation on migration issues at the common border in Cuando Cubango.
The two sides recommended the need to re-establish regular forums for the governors of the Angolan and Namibian border provinces to analyze and settle bilateral issues on a permanent basis.
Within the framework of existing relations, in 2022, the government of Cuando Cubango, in Angola, and the regional governments of Otjozondojunpa and Kavango East, in Namibia, signed a twinning agreement in the areas of defense and security, promotion of culture and tourism, trade and hospitality. ALK/FF/MS/TED/AMP
