The territory was annexed as a result of the negotiation to exchange Zanzibar for Caprivi Strip between the United Kingdom and Leo von Caprivi in 1880. The aim was to give German South West Africa access to the Zambezi River and a route to Africa´s east coast, where the German colony Tanzania was situated. 

The annexation was a part of the Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty in which Germany gave up its interest in Zanzibar in return for the Caprivi Strip and the island of Heligoland in the North Sea.

Now, The Swapo government is making a serious mistake here by occupying a territory and the people against their will. And (we) the people of Namibia are indifferent. Were we not once also occupied? The Caprivi independence is as equally important as the independence of any country in this world, including that of Namibia. I therefore call upon all the democratic and human rights defenders in Namibia to speak up in support for our brothers and sisters in Caprivi in order for them to gain their independence and self-determination. In fact, the Swapo government cannot even afford to give services to our people. Poverty, unemployment, housing problems, shortage of health equipment, 

racial gap, tribal tension, and poor education programmes are the few things that the Swapo government has to address first. 

To hold the Caprivians in prison for ten years without trial is a shameful act and a gross human rights violation. 

My call to the Swapo government is as follow:

1. Release the Caprivi prisoners unconditionally. 

2. Set Caprivi Strip free and work to create good neighbours between Namibia and Caprivi Strip instead.

3. Or allow the Caprivians to hold a referendum supervised by the UN in order for them to determine their own future.