Admin l Tuesday, June 15, 2021
WASHINGTON – Two former government officials who served as Ministers of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernhardt Esau and Sakeus Shanghala have been sanctioned by the United States of America over their involvement in corruption.
A statement released by Spokesman in the Department of State noted that in their official capacities as Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources (Esau) and Minister of Justice (Shanghala), they were involved in corrupt acts that undermined rule of law and the Namibian public’s faith in their government’s democratic institutions and public processes, including using their political influence and official power for their personal benefit.
This designation, the department said is made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021.
“This action renders Esau and Sanghala ineligible for entry into the United States. The authority also requires the designation of a principal’s immediate family members”, the statement added.
“ Accordingly, in addition to Esau and Shanghala, we are publicly designating the following members of Bernhardt Esau’s family, who are now also ineligible for entry into the United States: his wife, Swamma Esau, and his son, Philippus Esau”.
This designation, the statement noted reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting anticorruption reforms that are key to Namibia’s successful future and that the United States continues to stand with all Namibians in support of democracy and the rule of law, and against those who would undermine these principles for personal gain.
The Department said it will continue to use authorities like this to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.
