Namibia: Spy Chief Benedict Likando Still in Office, Presidency Confirms Amid Resignation Rumours
WINDHOEK – April 2025 – The Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) has not undergone any leadership change, contrary to recent reports. Benedict Likando, the Director General of the NCIS, remains in office, as confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Alfredo Hengari, following intense public speculation and widespread media coverage.
“Please be informed that Mr Benedict Likando is still the Director General of the NCIS,” Hengari said. “President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah leads in a manner that is transparent and communicates any changes to officers in charge in the executive and other presidential appointments accordingly.”
The clarification comes after reports emerged suggesting that Likando had stepped down as Namibia’s intelligence chief, fuelling speculation about a possible power vacuum at the top of the country’s national intelligence agency.
Benedict Likando's Position as Namibia Intelligence Director Remains Intact
Approached last week for comment on whether he was still with the intelligence service, Benedict Likando offered a cryptic response: “I don’t know, really. Can you ask the authority?” His ambiguous reply contributed to confusion across media and political circles regarding the leadership of Namibia's top spy agency.
Likando was appointed as NCIS Director General in March 2020 by former President Hage Geingob, replacing Philemon Malima, who had served in the post for five years. Likando’s appointment was seen as a strategic move aimed at stabilising the country’s intelligence community during a period of increasing domestic political tensions.
What is the Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS)?
The Namibia Central Intelligence Service is the primary national intelligence agency of the Republic of Namibia. It is tasked with overseeing all intelligence and national security operations under the framework of Namibia’s constitutional democracy. The NCIS reports directly to the president and is led by a Director General, who serves as the principal intelligence adviser to both the President of Namibia and the Cabinet on matters of national security, counterintelligence, and internal threats.
Controversies Surrounding the NCIS and Benedict Likando
Benedict Likando’s tenure has not been without controversy. In 2018, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani accused former NCIS Director Lucas Hangula of refusing to vacate his position, thereby obstructing Likando’s ascension. At that time, Likando was serving as Executive Director of NCIS, and Venaani claimed this power struggle contributed to low morale among Namibian intelligence officers.
The same year, the NCIS filed a legal action to prevent the publication of an investigative article by The Patriot, a now-defunct weekly newspaper. The article alleged that the intelligence agency had used public funds to acquire two farms, raising concerns about misuse of state resources. The NCIS argued that the publication of the article would pose a threat to national security, reigniting debate about the balance between press freedom and intelligence secrecy in Namibia.
Accusations of Political Manipulation by Namibia’s Intelligence Service
In 2023, McHenry Venaani again made headlines by alleging that the NCIS was being used to interfere in domestic politics. Speaking at the PDM’s central committee meeting in Opuwo, he claimed the intelligence agency was behind the formation of a new political entity, the Action Democratic Movement (ADM), accusing it of being a front organisation created by the NCIS to weaken opposition forces.
“We know what you’re doing. This organisation I lead should survive beyond your central intelligence,” Venaani said, urging then-President Nangolo Mbumba to withdraw NCIS involvement from politics and safeguard the country’s democratic institutions.
ADM leader Vinsent Kanyetu strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the party had no affiliation with Namibia’s intelligence service and was formed independently.
Leadership Stability at the NCIS Amid Public Scrutiny
The presidency’s confirmation that Benedict Likando remains Namibia’s intelligence chief underscores the state’s effort to maintain stability at the helm of its national security architecture. The Director General of the NCIS continues to play a central role in Namibia’s counterintelligence efforts, foreign intelligence assessments, and internal threat analysis.
However, the Namibian intelligence community remains under intense scrutiny. Accusations of political interference, misuse of resources, and excessive secrecy have prompted calls for increased transparency and oversight mechanisms.
Despite these pressures, the current administration has reaffirmed its commitment to orderly communication and lawful executive appointments, insisting that changes in top intelligence leadership will be clearly and officially communicated when they occur.
Key Takeaways: Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) and Benedict Likando
Benedict Likando remains the Director General of NCIS, contrary to resignation rumours.
Presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari confirms no changes in the leadership of Namibia’s spy agency.
Likando was appointed in March 2020 by Hage Geingob, replacing Philemon Malima.
The NCIS is Namibia’s national intelligence agency, reporting directly to the president.
McHenry Venaani has accused the NCIS of political interference and misuse of public funds.
ADM, a new political party, has been accused of being a proxy created by the intelligence service—claims denied by its leader, Vinsent Kanyetu.
SOURCE: OSINT