Namibia

In December 1988 South Africa signed the UN Plan for the Independence of Namibia, which led to the holding of free elections in November 1989. With the Namibia Support Committee, the AAM set up a Namibia Emergency Campaign to mobilise British support for Namibian independence and solidarity with the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO). This leaflet warned that South Africa was sabotaging the peace process. It called for continued support for Namibia after independence.

This Festival brought together speakers from the Namibia Support Committee and Wales AAM with the Cuban ambassador, who spoke about his country’s support for Angola against South African aggression. The conference was followed by an evening concert with music from the Cardiff Red Choir and singer songwriter Maria Tolly.

In November 1989 elections were held for a constituent assembly to draw up Namibia’s first democratic constitution. The South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) won 57% of the vote. In Britain the Namibia Emergency Campaign set up by the AAM and Namibia Support Committee campaigned for continuing international support for the people of Namibia. This leaflet publicised a conference for grassroots activists in January 1990. The conference took place after the election but before the declaration of Namibian independence on 21 March 1990. 

T-shirt produced to celebrate the independence of Namibia

Badge produced to celebrate the independence of Namibia

The AAM joined with other groups to organise this concert celebrating Namibia’s independence on 21 March 1990.