Windhoek, Namibia — The Director General of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS), Benedict Likando, has reportedly vacated his position this month, raising questions about leadership at the apex of Namibia’s intelligence community. Although the government has yet to confirm the change, ambiguous statements by Likando and presidential silence have fuelled speculation about a quiet transition within one of the country's most secretive institutions.
The development comes during a significant political shift in Namibia. Following the passing of President Hage Geingob in February 2024, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba served briefly as interim president. In the November 2024 general elections, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was elected and was sworn in as Namibia’s first female president on 21 March 2025. She now holds the constitutional authority to appoint or dismiss the head of the NCIS.
Evasive Comments Deepen the Mystery
When contacted for comment last Thursday by The Namibian newspaper, Likando declined to clarify his current status. Asked directly if he was still serving as NCIS Director General, Likando responded, “I don’t know, really. Can you ask the authority?” before ending the call.
His vague response has added to mounting speculation that a leadership change may have already occurred—or is imminent.
State House Silent on Leadership Status
Presidential Press Secretary Alfredo Hengari initially told The Namibian via text that the President would make a formal announcement regarding the next NCIS Director General. However, Hengari later retracted that message and stated: “No comment.”
He then requested questions be sent via email but has not responded as of the time of writing.
The lack of transparency has intensified public interest in the state of Namibia’s intelligence leadership and sparked debate about how such critical changes should be communicated.
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Background: Likando’s Appointment in 2020
Likando was appointed as Director General of the NCIS in March 2020 by the late President Hage Geingob, replacing Philemon Malima, who held the position for five years. Likando took over during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—a period that tested intelligence agencies worldwide in responding to public health, misinformation, and cybersecurity challenges.
While the operations of the NCIS remain largely classified, Likando’s term was seen as relatively low-profile. The circumstances surrounding his alleged departure, however, have drawn unprecedented public attention to the agency.
The Presidency and Intelligence Appointments: Who Has the Power?
With Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially inaugurated as President of Namibia on 21 March 2025, the authority to appoint or remove the NCIS Director General now firmly resides with her. As the head of state and commander-in-chief, President Nandi-Ndaitwah is constitutionally empowered to oversee national security agencies and determine their leadership.
Her anticipated decision regarding the NCIS will be one of her first major security appointments since assuming office, and it is expected to signal her administration’s approach to intelligence and state security governance.
Why a Leadership Change at NCIS Matters
The Namibia Central Intelligence Service (NCIS) is responsible for the collection and analysis of both foreign and domestic intelligence. It plays a critical role in protecting national security, countering espionage, and advising the presidency on strategic threats.
Leadership uncertainty within such a vital organ can have far-reaching implications. It may weaken coordination with other security agencies, hinder strategic planning, and send mixed signals to regional and international intelligence partners.
Namibia’s security environment is largely stable, but regional dynamics—such as the threat of transnational organised crime, cyber intrusions, and geopolitical competition—require strong, clear-headed intelligence leadership.
Regional and Political Context
Leadership changes within intelligence services across Southern Africa are not unusual and are often politically significant:
In Zimbabwe, reshuffles in the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) often follow major political realignments.
In South Africa, the State Security Agency (SSA) has undergone repeated restructuring amid public inquiries and factional battles.
Angola and Mozambique have both carried out silent intelligence reforms to tighten presidential control and adapt to new security realities.
Namibia’s reported shift in NCIS leadership may similarly reflect deeper political recalibrations as a new administration settles into power.
What to Expect Next
If Benedict Likando has indeed left the NCIS, President Nandi-Ndaitwah will be expected to appoint a successor who can:
Lead the NCIS through a new era of digital and hybrid threats,
Foster greater regional and global intelligence collaboration,
Modernise internal systems and improve operational capabilities,
Maintain the delicate balance between secrecy and democratic accountability.
Given that Namibia has historically maintained a relatively low international profile in intelligence affairs, this new appointment could shape the country's evolving role in the regional security landscape.
Conclusion
The apparent departure of Likando from the leadership of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service comes at a sensitive political moment. While unconfirmed, his cryptic remarks and the absence of official clarification from State House have created a cloud of uncertainty over Namibia’s intelligence leadership.
As Namibia enters a new political chapter under President Nandi-Ndaitwah, the intelligence community—and the public—await a clear signal on who will lead the NCIS into this new era. The choice of the next Director General will not only affect internal intelligence operations but also serve as an early indicator of President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s security priorities.
Transparency, even in national security matters, is critical to maintaining public trust. A prompt and clear announcement from the Presidency will be essential to reaffirming confidence in Namibia’s intelligence apparatus.
SOURCES: The Namibian, OSINT