Namibia and the Nordic countries

Namibia and the Nordic countries

Since the establishment in 1962 of the Scandinavian Institute of African Studies, it has followed events in Southern Africa and has been active in disseminating information about the region through seminars and publications. In 1981 the situation in Namibia has been highlighted by intensification of the war as weIl as by diplomatic activities. In spite of temporary setbacks recent ly it can be anticipated that the liberation struggle in combination with diplomatic initiatives will result in an independent Namibia within this decade. In order to illuminate the role played by the Nordic countries in the liberation of Namibia the Scandinavian Institute of African Studies organized a seminar called "Namibia and the Nordic Countries" in March 1981. This booklet is a by-product of the seminar. Its aim is to outline the official positions of the Nordic governrnents (except Iceland) as regards Namibia. The emphasis is on the debate in the United Nations and on assistance towards the liberation of Namibia. Non-governmental assistance is also included as weIl as available information on trade between the Nordic countries and Namibia. Due to the special relationship between Finland and Namibia (i.e. Finnish missionary activity in Namibia since 1870) the section on Finland is more elaborate than those of the other Nordic countries. The historical background to the relations between Finland and Namibia as weIl as the various Finnish initiatives in the UN are outlined. The booklet has been written by research fellows at the Scandinavian Institute of African Studies. It is hoped that it will serve as a brie f introduction to relations between the Nordic countries and Namibia. Uppsala October 1981 Michael Ståhl Director

Hans-Otto Sano (ed.)

http://nai.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:277966/FULLTEXT01.pdf

Nordic Africa Institute

1981

© Nordiska Afrikainstitutet

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