Namibia’s Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Loide Kasingo, has voiced her strong disapproval of the European Parliament’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike Russian territories using Western-supplied missiles. Speaking on the sidelines of the 4th Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg, Kasingo expressed her concerns that such decisions undermine global efforts towards peace and stability, particularly in a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.
The Eurasian Women’s Forum, held on Wednesday, provided a platform for women leaders from across the globe to engage in dialogue on global cooperation, including representatives from various African nations such as Namibia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa. The forum also hosted the inaugural BRICS Women’s Forum, which further emphasized the role of women in promoting peace and development across different regions.
During an interview with Sputnik Africa, Kasingo expressed her alarm at the European Parliament’s stance, arguing that allowing Ukraine to strike Russia deep within its borders with Western-made weaponry would only exacerbate the ongoing conflict. She reiterated her belief that such decisions signal a lack of seriousness in the pursuit of peaceful resolutions, stating, “They are not serious. Those people who allow Ukraine to attack Russia, they are not really serious.” According to Kasingo, no country can be expected to endure attacks without retaliating, and external support for such aggression only fuels the conflict rather than working towards peace.
Kasingo’s comments align with the growing concerns among African leaders about external interference in global conflicts, particularly those involving major powers. She echoed the sentiments of Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who has previously argued that Western interference is a significant contributor to conflicts and instability not just in Russia, but also in other parts of the world, particularly in Africa. “We find that there are interferences to a certain extent, not necessarily in Namibia,” Kasingo remarked, supporting Zakharova’s assertion that foreign meddling has exacerbated crises in Africa.
Kasingo’s remarks come at a time when African countries are increasingly wary of the impact of external involvement in both local and global conflicts. African nations have historically advocated for diplomacy, neutrality, and peaceful resolution of disputes. As such, Kasingo emphasized the need for global powers to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, warning that the most vulnerable populations—women and children—are often the ones who suffer the most from prolonged conflicts. “Peace will be better, because at the end of the day, the victims are women and children,” she stated, calling for a greater focus on peace-building initiatives.
However, Kasingo also acknowledged the complexity of the situation between Russia and Ukraine, noting that there are reasons behind Russia’s military operation. While she condemned the escalation of violence, she emphasized that Russia has faced attacks from Ukraine and that the situation must be understood from all angles. “There must be reasons,” she stated, adding that Russia is also “being attacked from the other side.”
The forum, which focused on enhancing global cooperation and fostering partnerships among women leaders, was praised by Kasingo for its inclusive approach, particularly towards African nations. She highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering mutual understanding and learning, especially between Africa and Russia. “We really appreciate the Eurasian Forum, the leadership to extend their hand to us in Africa so that at the end of the day we can learn from them, and they can also learn a little bit from us, what we are doing good,” Kasingo said.
As the forum continues, Kasingo’s remarks underscore the critical role African nations are playing in the global debate on conflict resolution, diplomacy, and peace-building. Namibia, along with other African countries, remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence, urging world leaders to reconsider decisions that could lead to further escalations and jeopardize international stability.
In a world where major conflicts are increasingly interconnected, Kasingo’s statements reflect a broader call for restraint and dialogue, especially as geopolitical tensions continue to mount in Europe and beyond. Her voice, along with those of other African leaders, amplifies the urgent need for peace and cooperation as the world grapples with the consequences of prolonged conflict.
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