All People’s Party backs crocodile victims’ compensation protest

The All People’s Party (APP) says it supports the crocodile attack victims protesting in the Mukwe constituency of the Kavango East region.

Survivors and families of victims began protesting on Friday outside the Mahango Game Park, calling for compensation from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

APP president Ambrosius Kumbwa on Saturday said the ministry should address protestors’ grievances with “transparency, accountability and compassion”.

“Compensation is not charity – it is justice owed to communities who live daily with the severe and often fatal consequences of human-wildlife conflict,” Kumbwa said.

He called on the government to establish a mechanism for compensation and support for victims of human-wildlife conflict.

“Protecting our people must remain the foremost priority in conservation and tourism policy. Wildlife conservation cannot continue at the expense of human lives,” he said.

The Namibian reported on Friday that 17 people were camping outside the game reserve, with community activists alleging that some people left with permanent disabilities after crocodile attacks had had their compensation applications rejected by the environment ministry.

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