Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Masisi Mokgweetsi Masisi
Published on 2024-02-24 17:59:19
The occasion is sombre as we come together to bid farewell to the late Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, a hero of Africa. Despite the sadness of his passing, we find solace in our cherished memories of this remarkable individual, allowing us to see this moment as a celebration of a life well-lived.
As we mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague, we also take the time to honor and acknowledge the greatness of his legacy. The presence of my wife and the Botswana delegation here today is a testament to the special bond that Dr. Hage Geingob shared with Botswana, a country he held dear to his heart.
I had the privilege of sharing many conversations with Dr. Geingob, during which he often spoke fondly of his time as a refugee in Botswana. His humility, honesty, and gratitude towards the people of Botswana and their contribution to the liberation struggle of Namibia were always apparent. He understood and sympathized with the challenges faced by Batswana during that tumultuous period in history.
Reflecting on his time in Botswana, Dr. Geingob would express his disbelief at the journey that led him from being a refugee in Francistown to becoming the president of his country. His infectious smile and laughter were a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, where fate plays a significant role in shaping our destinies.
The world has been flooded with tributes praising Dr. Geingob as a servant of the people, a liberation icon, and a stalwart of the Namibian nation. Our shared vision for development and commitment to unity and solidarity were values that brought us together in our efforts to uplift our respective nations.
President Geingob’s dedication to pan-Africanism and multilateralism inspired many, and his leadership was instrumental in strengthening the ties between Botswana and Namibia. His legacy will be remembered through initiatives like the 2023 bilateral agreement that eased travel between our two nations.
I am grateful for the support and partnership of Dr. Geingob, whose influence has helped shape the strong bond between our countries and peoples. His contributions will continue to guide us as we strive to deepen our relations and work towards a shared future of prosperity.
I extend my deepest gratitude to Monica Geingos and the Geingob family for their unwavering support throughout his life. May Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob rest in eternal peace.
*Mokgweetsi Masisi is the President of Botswana.
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