Namibia backs Major General for Interpol Presidency
The Namibian Police Force (Nampol) has officially announced the nomination of Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, its Deputy Inspector-General for Administration, as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) candidate for the presidency of INTERPOL.The election is scheduled to take place during the 93rd Session of the INTERPOL General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, from 24 to 27 November 2025.
Nainda’s nomination was first recommended by the SADC Chiefs of Police Sub-Committee, also known as the Southern African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO), during its annual meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in June this year. The endorsement was later confirmed by the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in July, and subsequently approved by the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit held in Madagascar in August.
Her candidacy has also received the formal approval of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, positioning Nainda as the official SADC regional candidate in the upcoming election.
According to Inspector-General Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, the nomination underscores Namibia’s growing contribution to global peace and security.
“Major General Nainda embodies professionalism, integrity and vast operational experience, values essential for advancing INTERPOL’s global mission,” Shikongo said.
Nainda brings to the candidacy over two decades of policing experience and international engagement. She currently serves as an INTERPOL Executive Committee Member representing Africa and holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from UNISA, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Sector Management from NIPAM, and a National Higher Certificate in Police Science from the former Technikon of Namibia.
Before assuming her current role, she served as Regional Commander for Oshikoto, INTERPOL Regional Specialised Officer for Violent Crimes, Fugitives and Training in Harare, and INTERPOL Desk Officer in Windhoek, where she handled drug enforcement, protected resources, vehicle crime, firearms, fraud and stock theft cases.
The Inspector-General appealed to the international policing community and partner organisations to support Nainda’s campaign, noting that her leadership would strengthen global cooperation and innovation in tackling transnational crime.
The INTERPOL presidential election will be held during the 93rd Session of the INTERPOL General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, from 24 to 27 November 2025.