Political analyst Henning Melber says former president Hifikepunye Pohamba was not entitled to confer a state honour on president Nangolo Mbumba.
Pohamba, who retired as head of state nearly 10 years ago, on Saturday conferred the Most Ancient Order of Welwitschia Mirabilis on Mbumba in a ceremony at State House.
Named after Namibia’s iconic desert plant, this accolade is the highest national honour recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the country.
“President Mbumba should have protected his singular authority vested in him by not accepting such an award. Former president Pohamba had no authority to confer such an order on president Mbumba. Full stop,” Melber said yesterday.
He added that Mbumba should not have accepted this order “unless he conferred it on himself”.
“This is regrettable, since he should use the opportunity as a caretaker president to enter the history books for his service to the country, not through dubious accolades.”
The honour was previously conferred on Angolan president João Lourenço, former Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel by former president Hage Geingob.
Minister of defence and veteran affairs Frans Kapofi, whose ministry recommends who should be honoured, yesterday said he was not involved in the arrangements and could not comment.
Yesterday, former prime minister Nahas Angula, who is also a previous defence minister, said no such occasion arose during his tenure.
“It never crossed my mind that one day there would be a head of state who needs to be given a medal.”
Angula said since the country will commemorate Heroes Day this month, perhaps Mbumba will honour certain people and it may not be appropriate to do so without the medal.
“But it’s a legitimate question whether a retired person can give medals. Let it be debated.”
Questions sent to Pohamba’s personal assistant yesterday were not answered by the time of going to print, and presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari only acknowledged receipt of the questions sent to him by The Namibian.
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