Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Charlton De Waal
Published on 2024-02-25 09:03:26
Namibians, as well as members of the international community, have come together at the Heroes’ Acre on Sunday to pay their final respects to President Hage Geingob, who passed away on 4 February after battling cancer. The 82-year-old is being remembered as a remarkable statesman, with tributes pouring in from all over the world.
Geingob, Namibia’s first president to pass away while in office, has been mourned nationwide for 21 days. The funeral proceedings at Heroes’ Acre have seen the arrival of dignitaries such as Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, and Princess Anne of the British Royal Family. Also in attendance are President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, and President João Lourenço of Angola.
Deputy Prime Minister John Mutorwa and other high-ranking government officials, as well as African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and Minister in the Presidency Christine //Hoebes, have gathered at Heroes’ Acre for the funeral. The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 10:00 on Sunday, has Chief Justice Peter Shivute and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila in attendance.
After the funeral, former First Lady Monica Geingos will receive the flag and military uniform that draped over President Geingob’s casket, acknowledging his role as the former Commander in Chief of the Namibian Defence Force. Geingob will be laid to rest alongside former Vice President Nickey Iyambo and former Deputy Secretary General of Swapo, Marco Hausiku.
Approximately 250 soldiers are positioned near Heroes’ Acre to salute Geingob’s casket as it passes by, marking the highest military honor. NDF spokesperson Petrus Shilumbu described the military personnel carrying the coffin as representing the highest level of state funeral ever held in Namibia. Pallbearers include former Agriculture Minister Alpheus !Naruseb, Mutorwa, former NDF Chief Martin Shalli, Geingob’s eldest son Mangaliso Fernandez, Official Opposition Leader McHenry Venaani, and Swapo veteran Ben Amathila.
According to Shilumbu, all burial proceedings have been running smoothly thus far.
For those who wish to stay informed, The Namibian offers in-depth reporting and opinions for N$85 a month. Investing in journalism means investing in democracy – subscribe now and support credible journalism.
Read the original article on The Namibian
