Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia and Commander-in-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), delivered a powerful closing statement at the conclusion of the historic Counter-Terrorism Live Firing Exercise, Exercise //KHAU //AE, held on 15 October 2025 at Etiro Training Base, Karibib, Erongo Region.
In her address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the exercise as a significant milestone in the NDF training calendar, emphasizing its name derived from the Damara-Nama language meaning “SHIELD TOGETHER.” The exercise embodies the government’s resolve to enact laws and establish institutions geared toward deterring, combating, and preventing terrorist threats against Namibia.
The President underscored the evolving threat of terrorism that demands integrated planning, resource mobilization, and multi-agency cooperation at national, regional, and international levels. She praised the leadership of Honourable Frans Kapofi, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, and commended the unwavering professionalism and dedication shown by the men and women in uniform who participated over seven weeks of rigorous training.
Highlighting the seamless integration of air, land, and intelligence units, she affirmed that the collaborative spirit of the security cluster safeguards the nation’s peace and sovereignty. Citing recent instability due to terrorism in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, the President emphasized that Namibia cannot be complacent and must remain vigilant against such threats.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah called for the lessons from the exercise to be incorporated into the NDF’s Standing Operating Procedures and insisted that counter-terrorism training become a permanent part of the defence curriculum. She reassured continued government investment in security forces as critical for Namibia’s future stability and prosperity.
The President also stressed the need for modern infrastructure, proper accommodation, sporting facilities, and advanced military technology to equip the NDF for 21st-century security challenges. Furthermore, she issued a strict directive against indiscipline and political interference within the Defence Force, reaffirming that service members must uphold highest professional standards and remain apolitical.
In conclusion, Her Excellency expressed heartfelt gratitude to defence and security leaders, government officials, and the Erongo community for their pivotal roles in the exercise’s success. She urged all participants to maintain vigilance and readiness to protect Namibia’s hard-won peace and democracy.
With pride and solemnity, President Nandi-Ndaitwah officially declared Exercise //KHAU //AE closed, blessing the brave men and women of Namibia’s security forces and the Republic itself.
