The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Utoni Nujoma, has called for a leader who will unite all Namibians, irrespective of their tribal or ethnic origin.

"We need to become Namibians first," he emphasized.

Nujoma, who will be contesting the position of Swapo secretary general, was speaking ahead of the upcoming Swapo Party Congress to elect the ruling party's vice-president, secretary general and deputy secretary general.

The Fifth Swapo Congress is set to take place from November 29 to December 2 in Windhoek.

Contesting the Swapo Party vice-presidency (VP) is current VP and Trade and Industry Minister, Dr Hage Geingob, current Secretary General and Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana and current Swapo Party Secretary for Information and Publicity, and Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Minister, Jerry Ekandjo. The party's Deputy Secretary General and Safety and Security Minister Nangolo Mbumba and Nujoma will contest the position of secretary general, while Omaheke Regional Governor Laura MacLeod-Katjirua and Education Minister Dr Abraham Iyambo will contest the position of deputy secretary general

"Our country has gone through colonialism and apartheid," he said, adding that the appointed leader should be someone who will promote unity according to the Swapo constitution and not promote tribal division.

"We need a leader who will rally all Namibians to stand and fight together against poverty, hunger and unemployment," he stressed, adding that choosing a leader who promotes division will lead to Namibians attacking each other, instead of concentrating on development and bread and butter issues.

Nujoma advocated for Namibians to follow in the footsteps of legendary heroes such as Hendrik Witbooi, Samuel Maharero, Mandume Ndemufayo, as well as current heroes such as the Founding Father of the Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, to carry the torch forward.

"We need to cement the roots of the national liberation struggle," he said, adding that appointed leaders should provide better opportunities for younger generations.

The foreign affairs minister emphasized that Namibia needs to add value to its natural resources and rely less on foreigners who export its resources in a raw form.

"We need skills development in the country to be self-reliant in food production," said Nujoma.

"We need a strong leader who will maintain peace and security and protect our women and children," he stressed.