Cunene: At least 350 Namibian ranchers and farmers have been found to be residing illegally in 17 rural areas of Angola's southern province of Cunene, specifically in the municipalities of Chiedi and Cafima. According to Angola Press News Agency, this information was disclosed by Afonso Catenguela, the Director of the Migration and Foreigners Service of Cunene, during a presentation of the report on the registration of citizens who have settled illegally in the east of Cunene province. These individuals entered Angola without legal permission, predominantly in areas such as marker 28/Omalapapa, marker 25/Emuyo, and 33/Okambulukwena, where there is a lack of defense and security forces. Catenguela explained that some of these settlers have been in the country since the 1970s, while others arrived more than 15 years ago, engaging in transhumance, which involves cattle grazing. They have fenced off land to establish farms and build traditional residences. During the registration process, it was revealed that child labor exploitation is occurring, with Angolan minors being used for pastoral activities without proper working conditions. These minors are recruited by Angolans under the mandate of Namibians and are paid wages of 800 Namibian dollars, equivalent to 35,000 kwanzas. In addition, there have been reports of wildfires and illegal deforestation, particularly targeting sunflower and mussive tree species for timber without legal authorization. Catenguela noted that the settlers claim to possess documents obtained from traditional authorities and the Namacunde Veterinary Services, which allegedly issued illegal transhumance permits. Catenguela emphasized that the Namibian ranchers are violating Angolan laws by their illegal entry and continued residence, as outlined in Article 99 of Law 13/1 of May 23, regarding the Legal Regime of Foreign Citizens in Angola. He stated that the unauthorized presence of Namibian citizens is unacceptable, highlighting the availability of legal mechanisms such as resident citi zen documents and other immigration laws. To address the situation, Catenguela proposed the establishment of a border post at marker 28/Omalapapa to enhance the control and monitoring of migratory and customs movements. Cunene province shares a 460-kilometer border with Namibia, comprising 340 kilometers of land borders and 120 kilometers of river borders.
