In this week’s episode of “On Contact,” host and Truthdig columnist Chris Hedges sits down with the president of the Republic of Namibia, Hage Geingob.

Geingob explains how the country, which achieved independence from neighboring apartheid South Africa in 1990, is now facing a second phase in the fight for independence: “economic emancipation.” He tells Hedges, who asks about the introduction of Walmart in the country, that he is trying to fight big corporations and solve income inequality.

Hedges also asks about China’s presence in the country, and whether China is exploiting Namibia’s natural resources.

“We need development. If somebody comes to try to help you when you are drowning, you lift up your hands,” Geingob responds. “They are doing a good job, but everybody must come on our terms.”

Watch the full interview in the video player above.

–Posted by Emma Niles.

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#africa#apartheid#economy#independence#interview#namibia#natural resources#on contact with chris hedges#south africa