NAMIBIANS POSITIVE ABOUT RUSSIAN WARSHIP VISIT
Namibians have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm over the arrival of the Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop in Walvis Bay, with many welcoming the visit as a sign of strengthening ties between Windhoek and Moscow.
M21’s SAKARIA SHIKOMBA WEIGHS IN
Among the most prominent voices was commentator Sakaria Shikomba, who said foreign Europeans are frightened on the country’s behalf over the Namibia-Russia relationship.
Shikomba traced the ties back decades, stating:
“Namibia-Russia relations date back to the era when Europe funded proxies in South Africa under its brutal terrorist apartheid regime. The Soviets armed our people and gave the greatest assistance…not only to Namibia but throughout Africa to fight the European slave makers.”
HISTORICAL TIES SHAPE SENTIMENT
The positive reaction online reflects the enduring memory of Soviet support for African liberation movements, which continues to shape public sentiment toward Russia in Namibia today.
The Perekop remains docked in Walvis Bay, with its crew and cadets expected to visit local attractions before continuing a training voyage that runs until 9 December 2026