Leaders from across Africa and beyond are set to arrive in Windhoek today and tomorrow to witness the historic inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first woman president.
Minister of information and communication technology Emma Theofelus yesterday announced that 10 heads of state, three vice presidents and two prime ministers will attend Friday’s inauguration.
The ceremony will be a significant event, highlighting Namibia’s commitment to gender equality and its strong diplomatic ties with nations across the globe.
Reliable sources yesterday confirmed the names of the African and international leaders who will join the celebrations.
AFRICAN PRESIDENTS LEAD ATTENDANCE
A significant contingent of African leaders will be present, demonstrating regional solidarity.
Presidents from the Southern African Development Community attending include Samia Hassan of Tanzania, João Lourenço of Angola, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other African heads of state joining the celebrations are Teodoro Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, William Ruto of Kenya, Brahim Ghali of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
FORMER LEADERS, DIGNITARIES
The ceremony will also be attended by former leaders, including South Africa’s Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki. Botswana’s former leader, Mokgweetsi Masisi, will also attend. Additionally, former presidents from Tanzania, Liberia, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Mozambique will be among the guests.
VICE PRESIDENTS, PRIME MINISTERS
Representing their nations, vice presidents Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang of Ghana, Jessica Alupo of Uganda, and Michael Usi of Malawi will be present. Prime ministers Manuel Cruz of Cuba, Russell Dlamini of Eswatini, and Samuel Matekane of Lesotho will also attend.
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION
Beyond Africa, delegations from Russia, Portugal, Palestine, Venezuela, Serbia, China, and the United Kingdom, led by their respective foreign affairs or Africa ministers, will also be present.
Theofelus, who spoke during a press briefing at the government information centre yesterday, did not mention the specific countries.
The government is still open for more confirmations from countries of which the heads of state want to join the celebrations.
“Because the list has not been exhausted, we continue to receive confirmations, and there may be alterations,” the minister said.
CELEBRATIONS
The theme of Namibia’s 35th anniversary of its independence is ‘Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future’.
The government has invited Namibians to attend the celebrations at Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
Gates will open at 07h30 and public transport will be provided.
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