Namibia's Ambassador to Angola has called for compassion towards Angolan children roaming the streets in Namibia.

Leonard Iipumbu says both governments are working to find a lasting solution.

The children can be observed at street corners and shopping areas in some towns.

Windhoek specifically has seen an influx of these children who were once returned but simply found their way back.

Questions of how they get here remain unanswered.
However, Ambassador Iipumbu highlighted the drought as one of the reasons these children come to Namibia.

"First of all, we, as Namibians, and the two governments are finding a solution. And I know there are discussions as to how we can resolve this problem. But from a human point of view, as Namibians, let's look at these children with a sense of humility and a sense of helping them when they are just little kids. Angolans are our brothers and sisters. But I can assure you that the two governments are busy working out the methods as to how we can resolve this problem. Sooner or later, these children may find their own way back to their own countries."

He further noted that many Namibians live in Angola, with others frequently crossing the border to trade their products.

He therefore called for harmonious coexistence and the creation of a safe environment for the children while efforts to find a lasting solution continue.

"But you must also know that Angola and Namibia share a border. You may find Namibians on this side of Angola who might not necessarily be in the same form as those little children. Some Namibians are also grazing on this part. So we should just understand that these are issues that happen between countries that share borders. But it's my hope, and I'll be part of the Namibian delegation when the time comes to discuss and see that these children are being handled with care, with love, and that they find a way to come back to Angola without them necessarily being pushed as if they were illegal immigrants."