Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Selma Iyambo
Published on 2024-02-24 08:30:54
Crowds of mourners gathered across Windhoek as President Hage Geingob’s body was transported through the capital in a military procession on Friday. The streets were filled with Namibians waiting along the designated route, waving the national flag and singing traditional songs in languages such as Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, Nama, Rukwangali, and Otjiherero.
Members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) were present at street corners, assisting the public and maintaining order throughout the procession. A pensioner expressed her reasons for attending, citing Geingob’s efforts to increase pensions for the elderly and his patience in listening to their concerns during town hall meetings. She bid farewell to him, saying, “Rest in power, Omes.”
Citizens documented the events on their phones, with many shedding tears upon seeing Geingob’s casket. The procession began at State House, passing through key streets like Independence Avenue, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Road, and the Central Business District. The president’s body was received at State House by the new president Nangolo Mbumba, who authorized the chief of the NDF, Martin Pinehas, to conduct the military procession.
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba and his wife were among the mourners at State House. The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, urged Namibians to honor Geingob and pay their respects by attending the procession. Mbumba accompanied Geingob’s remains through the procession, which culminated at Casa Rosalia, the first couple’s private residence.
The NDF then handed over Geingob’s remains to his family and escorted them to Parliament Gardens, where the public could view the late president’s body and bid him farewell. Geingob’s remains were to lie in state at Parliament Gardens until 11:30 on Saturday, when a national memorial service was scheduled to take place at Independence Stadium.
The procession and public display of mourning reflected a nation united in grief over the loss of their leader. The emotions displayed by the citizens, from singing traditional songs to capturing the events on their phones, highlighted the impact Geingob had on the people of Namibia. The coming together of individuals from different backgrounds to pay their respects demonstrated the unity and solidarity present in the community during this difficult time.
As Namibians mourned the passing of their first sitting president, the events surrounding Geingob’s funeral procession served as a poignant reminder of the impact he had on the lives of his people. The public gathering to bid farewell to Geingob symbolized a shared sense of loss and a collective acknowledgment of his contributions to the country. The outpouring of emotions and expressions of gratitude towards Geingob signified a nation coming together to honor and remember a leader who left a lasting legacy.
Read the original article on The Namibian
