Swapo has directed the Namibian Exile Kids Association (Neka) to halt its ongoing elective congress in Otjiwarongo due to allegations of internal conflict surrounding the election of new leadership.

Delegates of Neka, which is seeking official affiliation with Swapo, have been meeting in Otjiwarongo since Saturday to decide on the association’s future and new leadership.

Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa attended the launch of the organization’s annual general meeting on Saturday. Following reports of internal discord among candidates, Shaningwa sent a letter on Sunday urging Neka to suspend its congress, warning of potential negative repercussions for Swapo.

“Your ugly campaigns at this time when we are just a few months before the elections will spill over to the Swapo party and will affect our party campaign negatively,” Shaningwa wrote.

Shaningwa noted that during the Saturday launch, both she and environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta advised Neka to postpone the election of new leadership.

“Therefore, I strongly feel that my advice to halt on your elections today is an appropriate one and is in the interest of both Neka and the Swapo party to which you are to affiliate,” Shaningwa stated.

Sources have confirmed that Neka delegates are currently deliberating on their next steps following Shaningwa’s letter.