Yet another political party is caught up in internal turmoil.

The current leadership of  the South West Africa National Union, SWANU, of Namibia is challenged by a group called the 8ste Laan branch, calling for an extra-ordinary Congress in Windhoek this weekend.

However, SWANU President Evalistus Kaaronda  has dismissed the group's claims, saying it does not have any mandate to call for an extraordinary congress.

The 8ste Laan group claims the call for the Extraordinary Congress has garnered support from more than two-thirds of SWANU's branches as it is seen as a crucial step to resolve internal conflicts and restore party unity. 

However, Evalistus Kaaronda, who assumed the SWANU Presidency in May 2022,  told nbc-News that only the current executive has the mandate to call for any decision-making meeting.

In the meantime, there is a High Court application pending for contempt of court against Kaaronda by the 8ste Laan Branch for failing to comply with a court order that he meets with the faction led by Charles Katjivurue. 

The order was that they meet and agree on when to hold an extraordinary council meeting. But this was not to be.

Supporters of the legal action argue that Kaaronda's refusal to comply with the court's directive has not only exacerbated internal rifts but also hindered efforts to unify the party in preparation for the elections.

Kaaronda defended his leadership and dismissed the actions of the 8ste Laan branch.