Caprivi Conflict

A Namibian technical vehicle serving as a military escort for a truck convoy through the Caprivi Strip.

Date	1994 – 1999 (5 years)
Location	Caprivi Strip, Namibia
Result	Namibian government victory

Belligerents

Namibia

Caprivi Liberation Army

Commanders and leaders

Sam Nujoma

Dimo Hamaambo

Mishake Muyongo

Boniface Mamili

The Caprivi conflict was an armed conflict between the Namibian government and the Caprivi Liberation Army, a rebel group that fought for the secession of the Caprivi Strip.

The Caprivi Strip in the north east of Namibia is mainly inhabited by the Lozi people. They share a common language and history, and often feel more connected with Lozi people in neighbouring countries Zambia, Angola, Botswana and South Africa.

The Namibian government has accused the CLA of being allied with the Angolan rebel movement UNITA. UNITA is very unpopular in Namibia since it helped South Africa fighting SWAPO during the liberation struggle, and is considered to be an enemy of the state by many.

One cause of the conflict can be seen in a previous power struggle between Mishake Muyongo and the SWAPO leadership during exile in Angola. In July 1980 Muyongo was ousted from being SWAPO Vice-President under the accusation of being involved in subversive activities and pursuing secessionist ambitions. He was subsequently detained in Zambia and Tanzania, followed by an alleged purge against Caprivians in SWAPO.

After his return to Namibia in 1985 Muyongo formed the United Democratic Party (UDP) which joined the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA). He was President of DTA from 1991 until 1998 when he was expelled as a result of his support for the secession of his home region.

The Caprivi Liberation Army was formed in 1994. The rebel movement's goal is Caprivi self-rule.

In October 1998 the Namibian Defence Force with the support of the Special Field Force discovered and raided a CLA training camp. That resulted in more than 100 armed CLA men and about 2,500 civilians fleeing into Botswana. Amongst the refugees were leaders of the CLA, namely Mishake Muyongo and Mafwe Chief Boniface Mamili. Both were granted asylum in Denmark. Namibia unsuccessfully demanded Botswana and Denmark to hand over the rebels, and President Nujoma called the rebels "traitors and murderers" and stated that they would be punished for their crimes.

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